target_link_libraries: Allow use with targets in other directories

Previously the command did not allow naming targets on the LHS that
were not created in the calling directory.  Lift this restriction to
enable more flexible use by projects.

Targets named on the RHS will need to be looked up during generation in
the scope of the call site rather than the scope of the LHS target.
Introduce an internal syntax in `[INTERFACE_]LINK_LIBRARIES` properties
to specify target names that need to be looked up in a directory other
than that containing the target on which the property is set.  Add
minimal documentation of the syntax to help users that encounter it.

Unfortunately CMake previously did allow such calls in the case that
only `INTERFACE` libraries are specified, but those libraries would be
looked up in the target's directory rather than the caller's.  Add
policy `CMP0079` to enable the new behavior with new lookup scope in a
compatible way.

Fixes: #17943

1 files changed, 7 insertions, 4 deletions

diff --git a/Help/command/target_link_libraries.rst b/Help/command/target_link_libraries.rst
index 1f0d69e..e1c374e 100644
--- a/Help/command/target_link_libraries.rst
+++ b/Help/command/target_link_libraries.rst
@@ -18,10 +18,13 @@ All of them have the general form::
 
   target_link_libraries(<target> ... <item>... ...)
 
-The named ``<target>`` must have been created in the current directory by
-a command such as :command:`add_executable` or :command:`add_library` and
-must not be an :ref:`ALIAS target <Alias Targets>`.
-Repeated calls for the same ``<target>`` append items in the order called.
+The named ``<target>`` must have been created by a command such as
+:command:`add_executable` or :command:`add_library` and must not be an
+:ref:`ALIAS target <Alias Targets>`.  If policy :policy:`CMP0079` is not
+set to ``NEW`` then the target must have been created in the current
+directory.  Repeated calls for the same ``<target>`` append items in
+the order called.
+
 Each ``<item>`` may be:
 
 * **A library target name**: The generated link line will have the