mesonbuild/meson

Static boost dependencies do not include transitive dependencies

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#15457 opened on Jan 11, 2026

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boostbugdependencieshelp wanted

Description

Describe the bug Using dependency('boost', static: true) for some boost module that depends on another boost module, then (assuming that a static version of the boost module was found) the latter boost module is not included in the dependency, possibly causing linker errors.

To Reproduce

meson.build:

project('repro', 'cpp')
executable('repro', 'repro.cpp', dependencies: dependency('boost', modules: ['locale'], static: true))

repro.cpp:

#include <boost/locale/util.hpp>

int main(int argc, char **argv) {
    auto locale = boost::locale::generator().generate("");
    return 0;
}

Configuring and compiling this on Arch Linux (with boost installed) will result in linker errors due to missing the thread module. Removing the static: true will link without issues.

Expected behavior Transitive dependencies are included when linking statically, as they are for pkg-config dependencies.

Note This is easy to work around as a meson user so I don't think it's a very pressing issue. But I ran into this and did not find any issues about this yet, so I am reporting it here for future reference.

System parameters

  • Native build
  • Tested on Arch Linux and Debian trixie
  • Python 3.13.11 on Arch Linux
  • Meson 1.10.0
  • Ninja 1.13.2

Contributor guide

Tech stack
pythoncpp
Domain
build system
Issue type
bug
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-2 days
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
fresh
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
Knowledge of Meson build systemUnderstanding of Boost module dependenciesFamiliarity with static linking concepts
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
45
Research direction
Examine the Boost dependency handling code in mesonbuild/dependencies/boost.py. Understand how Meson collects dependencies for pkg config dependencies (which handle transitives) and apply similar logic for static Boost. Focus on the 'static' parameter and ensure all transitive Boost modules are included when linking statically. Check if there are any existing tests for Boost dependencies.