LANGUAGE

Specify the language used to compile a source file.

This property selects the language whose compiler and compilation rules are used for the source file. If it is not set, the language is determined from the file extension. Typical values are CXX (i.e. C++), C, CSharp, CUDA, Fortran, HIP, ISPC, and ASM. Setting this property for a file means this file will be compiled, unless HEADER_FILE_ONLY is set.

Added in version 4.5: The LANGUAGE property of a SOURCES file set takes precedence over this property when compiling a member of that set for a target. This target-specific selection does not modify the source file property.

Changed in version 3.20: Setting this property causes the source file to be compiled as the specified language, using explicit flags if possible. Previously it only caused the specified language's compiler to be used. See policy CMP0119.