Using the Haxe Library Manager (haxelib) (with examples)

1: Searching for a Haxe library

haxelib search keyword

Motivation: When building a Haxe project, you often need to find and use external libraries to add functionality or improve development efficiency. The haxelib search command allows you to search for Haxe libraries based on specific keywords, making it easier to find the right libraries for your project.

Explanation: The search subcommand is used to search for Haxe libraries using a keyword. Replace “keyword” in the command with the actual keyword you want to search for. The command will return a list of libraries that match the keyword.

Example output:

- haxeunit [3.4.3]  - Haxe unit testing framework
- hxnodejs  [0.1.1]  - externs for node.js
- haxe-punk [2.5.6]  - a HaXe port of the FlashPunk library
- flixel    [4.6.1]  - Extensive, optimized Open Source 2D game library

2: Installing a Haxe library

haxelib install libname

Motivation: Once you have found a Haxe library that suits your needs, you can use the haxelib install command to install it. This allows you to easily add the library to your project and start using its features.

Explanation: The install subcommand is used to install a Haxe library. Replace “libname” in the command with the name of the library you want to install. The command will fetch the library from the Haxe library repository and install it locally.

Example output:

Library libname installed successfully.

3: Installing a specific version of a Haxe library

haxelib install libname version

Motivation: In some cases, you may need to use a specific version of a Haxe library due to compatibility or feature requirements. The haxelib install command allows you to install a specific version of a library, ensuring that your project uses the desired version.

Explanation: The install subcommand is used to install a specific version of a Haxe library. Replace “libname” in the command with the name of the library you want to install, and “version” with the specific version you want to install. The command will fetch the specified version of the library from the Haxe library repository and install it locally.

Example output:

Library libname version x.x.x installed successfully.

4: Upgrading all installed Haxe libraries

haxelib upgrade

Motivation: Over time, new versions of Haxe libraries are released, which may include bug fixes, performance improvements, or new features. Using outdated library versions in your project can lead to compatibility issues or missed opportunities. The haxelib upgrade command allows you to easily upgrade all installed libraries to their latest versions, ensuring that your project benefits from the latest updates.

Explanation: The upgrade subcommand is used to upgrade all installed Haxe libraries to their latest versions. Executing the command will check for updates for all installed libraries and upgrade them accordingly.

Example output:

Upgrading library1...
Upgrading library2...
Upgrading library3...
All libraries upgraded successfully.

5: Installing the development version of a library from a Git repository

haxelib git libname git_url

Motivation: Sometimes, you may want to use a library’s latest development version, which may contain new features or bug fixes that haven’t been released yet. The haxelib git command allows you to install the development version of a library directly from its Git repository, giving you access to the latest changes.

Explanation: The git subcommand is used to install the development version of a library from a Git repository. Replace “libname” in the command with the name you want to give to the library upon installation, and “git_url” with the URL of the library’s Git repository. The command will clone the repository and install the library locally.

Example output:

Library libname installed successfully from Git repository.

6: Uninstalling a Haxe library

haxelib remove libname

Motivation: If you no longer need a specific Haxe library in your project, it is recommended to uninstall it. This helps keep your project tidy and avoids unnecessary dependencies. The haxelib remove command allows you to easily uninstall a library from your project.

Explanation: The remove subcommand is used to uninstall a Haxe library. Replace “libname” in the command with the name of the library you want to remove. The command will delete the library from the local installation directory.

Example output:

Library libname has been removed successfully.

7: Printing a tree of locally installed Haxe libraries

haxelib list

Motivation: When working on a complex Haxe project that relies on multiple libraries, it can be useful to get an overview of the installed libraries and their dependencies. The haxelib list command provides a tree view of all the locally installed Haxe libraries, helping you understand the structure of your project’s dependencies.

Explanation: The list command is used to print a tree view of the locally installed Haxe libraries. Executing the command will display a hierarchical list of libraries, starting with the root dependencies and showing their respective sub-dependencies in a tree-like structure.

Example output:

- library1 [1.0.0]
    - sublibrary1 [1.2.0]
    - sublibrary2 [2.5.1]
- library2 [2.3.4]
    - sublibrary3 [2.0.0]
- library3 [3.1.2]

These examples demonstrate the main use cases for the Haxe Library Manager (haxelib). By understanding and utilizing these commands, you can efficiently manage Haxe libraries in your projects, ensuring optimal development and code reusability.