Specify library dependencies in library.properties

[per1234]

Specifying the library dependencies in the depends field of library.properties causes the Arduino Library Manager (Arduino IDE 1.8.10 and newer) to offer to install any missing dependencies during installation of this library.

arduino-cli lib install will automatically install the dependencies (arduino-cli 0.7.0 and newer).

Reference:
https://github.com/arduino/Arduino/wiki/Arduino-IDE-1.5:-Library-specification#libraryproperties-file-format

[prenticedavid]

Yes, the class depends on Adafruit_GFX.
Adafruit_GFX is very straightforward. Likewise Adafruit_GFX_Button class that comes with Adafruit_GFX.

The "problem" is Adafruit_SPITFT which is bundled with each Adafruit_GFX release.
Adafruit_SPITFT is not used by MCUFRIEND_kbv but is used by most Adafruit hardware classes.

Adafruit like to b*gger up all their existing code with each new Adafruit_SPITFT version.

If I force the Library Manager to upgrade Adafruit_GFX it will affect any Adafruit hardware classes e.g. Adafruit_ST7735, Adafruit_SSD1351, Adafruit_ILI9341, ...
If I just "suggest" the dependency, MCUFRIEND_kbv will work quite happily with all Adafruit_GFX versions.

David.

[per1234]

OK, I understand. Should I close this?

[prenticedavid]

It is an excellent idea to specify Adafruit_GFX as a dependent library.

Meanwhile, I don't want to be responsible for breaking Adafruit hardware libraries by inflicting a freshly f*cked Adafruit_SPITFT on users that did not ask for changes to their specific Adafruit_hardware library.

If and when Adafruit improve the "features" of Adafruit_SPITFT it would be safe.

David.