[feature] Local current folder in layout method

[gpxricky]

Hi,

the documentation of the layout method (https://docs.conan.io/en/latest/reference/conanfile/methods.html#layout) mentions that the folders are relative to the local current folder when calling conan build, etc. I probably misunderstood that, but the local current folder seems to be the folder where the recipe file is located. I don't know if it is clear for everyone else, but I thought about the current working directory first.

I guess it is fine for quite all users to use the recipe folder. However, what happens, if the recipe is located in a subdirectory? Image the following directory structure:

<my project folder>
|__ recipe
   |__ conanfile.py
|__ src
   |__ CMakeLists.txt
   |__ ...

Configuring a layout that is based on the my project folder instead of the recipe folder might require differentiation between local cache builds or not:

def layout(self):
    if self.in_local_cache:
        self.folders.source = "src"
        self.folders.build = "build"
    else:
        self.folders.source = "../src"
        self.folders.build = "../build"

I wouldn't request to change the current behavior as it fits for 99% of the users. However, would it be an idea to introduce an additional folder like self.folders.base or self.folders.root that only applies for non-cache builds?

def layout(self):
    self.folders.base = ".."
    self.folders.source = "src"
    self.folders.build = "build"

Is it too fancy or only have-baked to add something like this just for the remaining 1% of users (who might even have additional requirements for that topic)? My guess is yes, however I have still created that issue to discuss and document the decision.

Best regards,
Markus

• I've read the CONTRIBUTING guide.

[memsharded]

Hi @gpxricky

I think you might have missed latest 1.46 changelog (https://docs.conan.io/en/latest/changelog.html)

• Feature: Adding self.base_source_folder for exports_sources explicit layouts. #10654 . Docs here
• Feature: Adding root to layout model to allow conanfile.py in subfolders. #10654 . Docs here

I think what you describe was exactly implemented in those, but please have a look and let us know, thanks!

[gpxricky]

Oh man, what a shame! I'm sorry. That's exactly what I was requesting.

[gpxricky]

@memsharded It seems that self.folders.generators does not support self.folders.root. Check comment in #10826 for details