stringapi: Use strings for property names

Property names are always generated by CMake and should never be NULL.

32 files changed, 262 insertions, 310 deletions

diff --git a/Source/cmCacheManager.cxx b/Source/cmCacheManager.cxx
index 9e0064e..04542d8 100644
--- a/Source/cmCacheManager.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmCacheManager.cxx
@@ -807,13 +807,13 @@ bool cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::GetValueAsBool() const
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 const char*
-cmCacheManager::CacheEntry::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
+cmCacheManager::CacheEntry::GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const
 {
-  if(strcmp(prop, "TYPE") == 0)
+  if(prop == "TYPE")
     {
     return cmCacheManagerTypes[this->Type];
     }
-  else if(strcmp(prop, "VALUE") == 0)
+  else if(prop == "VALUE")
     {
     return this->Value.c_str();
     }
@@ -823,14 +823,14 @@ cmCacheManager::CacheEntry::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmCacheManager::CacheEntry::SetProperty(const char* prop,
+void cmCacheManager::CacheEntry::SetProperty(const std::string& prop,
                                              const char* value)
 {
-  if(strcmp(prop, "TYPE") == 0)
+  if(prop == "TYPE")
     {
     this->Type = cmCacheManager::StringToType(value? value : "STRING");
     }
-  else if(strcmp(prop, "VALUE") == 0)
+  else if(prop == "VALUE")
     {
     this->Value = value? value : "";
     }
@@ -841,15 +841,15 @@ void cmCacheManager::CacheEntry::SetProperty(const char* prop,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmCacheManager::CacheEntry::AppendProperty(const char* prop,
+void cmCacheManager::CacheEntry::AppendProperty(const std::string& prop,
                                                 const char* value,
                                                 bool asString)
 {
-  if(strcmp(prop, "TYPE") == 0)
+  if(prop == "TYPE")
     {
     this->Type = cmCacheManager::StringToType(value? value : "STRING");
     }
-  else if(strcmp(prop, "VALUE") == 0)
+  else if(prop == "VALUE")
     {
     if(value)
       {
@@ -867,7 +867,8 @@ void cmCacheManager::CacheEntry::AppendProperty(const char* prop,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-const char* cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
+const char* cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::GetProperty(
+    const std::string& prop) const
 {
   if(!this->IsAtEnd())
     {
@@ -877,7 +878,8 @@ const char* cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::SetProperty(const char* p, const char* v)
+void cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::SetProperty(const std::string& p,
+                                                const char* v)
 {
   if(!this->IsAtEnd())
     {
@@ -886,7 +888,7 @@ void cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::SetProperty(const char* p, const char* v)
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::AppendProperty(const char* p,
+void cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::AppendProperty(const std::string& p,
                                                    const char* v,
                                                    bool asString)
 {
@@ -897,7 +899,8 @@ void cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::AppendProperty(const char* p,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-bool cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::GetPropertyAsBool(const char* prop) const
+bool cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::GetPropertyAsBool(
+    const std::string& prop) const
 {
   if(const char* value = this->GetProperty(prop))
     {
@@ -907,13 +910,14 @@ bool cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::GetPropertyAsBool(const char* prop) const
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::SetProperty(const char* p, bool v)
+void cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::SetProperty(const std::string& p, bool v)
 {
   this->SetProperty(p, v ? "ON" : "OFF");
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-bool cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::PropertyExists(const char* prop) const
+bool cmCacheManager::CacheIterator::PropertyExists(
+    const std::string& prop) const
 {
   return this->GetProperty(prop)? true:false;
 }
diff --git a/Source/cmCacheManager.h b/Source/cmCacheManager.h
index f487e8e..ac6187b 100644
--- a/Source/cmCacheManager.h
+++ b/Source/cmCacheManager.h
@@ -39,9 +39,9 @@ private:
     std::string Value;
     CacheEntryType Type;
     cmPropertyMap Properties;
-    const char* GetProperty(const char*) const;
-    void SetProperty(const char* property, const char* value);
-    void AppendProperty(const char* property, const char* value,
+    const char* GetProperty(const std::string&) const;
+    void SetProperty(const std::string& property, const char* value);
+    void AppendProperty(const std::string& property, const char* value,
                         bool asString=false);
     bool Initialized;
     CacheEntry() : Value(""), Type(UNINITIALIZED), Initialized(false)
@@ -58,13 +58,13 @@ public:
     void Next();
     const char *GetName() const {
       return this->Position->first.c_str(); }
-    const char* GetProperty(const char*) const ;
-    bool GetPropertyAsBool(const char*) const ;
-    bool PropertyExists(const char*) const;
-    void SetProperty(const char* property, const char* value);
-    void AppendProperty(const char* property, const char* value,
+    const char* GetProperty(const std::string&) const ;
+    bool GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string&) const ;
+    bool PropertyExists(const std::string&) const;
+    void SetProperty(const std::string& property, const char* value);
+    void AppendProperty(const std::string& property, const char* value,
                         bool asString=false);
-    void SetProperty(const char* property, bool value);
+    void SetProperty(const std::string& property, bool value);
     const char* GetValue() const { return this->GetEntry().Value.c_str(); }
     bool GetValueAsBool() const;
     void SetValue(const char*);
diff --git a/Source/cmExportFileGenerator.cxx b/Source/cmExportFileGenerator.cxx
index 4a161ee..79566a9 100644
--- a/Source/cmExportFileGenerator.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmExportFileGenerator.cxx
@@ -136,7 +136,8 @@ void cmExportFileGenerator::GenerateImportConfig(std::ostream& os,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmExportFileGenerator::PopulateInterfaceProperty(const char *propName,
+void cmExportFileGenerator::PopulateInterfaceProperty(
+                                              const std::string& propName,
                                               cmTarget *target,
                                               ImportPropertyMap &properties)
 {
@@ -148,8 +149,9 @@ void cmExportFileGenerator::PopulateInterfaceProperty(const char *propName,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmExportFileGenerator::PopulateInterfaceProperty(const char *propName,
-                      const char *outputName,
+void cmExportFileGenerator::PopulateInterfaceProperty(
+                      const std::string& propName,
+                      const cmStdString& outputName,
                       cmTarget *target,
                       cmGeneratorExpression::PreprocessContext preprocessRule,
                       ImportPropertyMap &properties,
@@ -391,7 +393,8 @@ void cmExportFileGenerator::PopulateIncludeDirectoriesInterface(
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmExportFileGenerator::PopulateInterfaceProperty(const char *propName,
+void cmExportFileGenerator::PopulateInterfaceProperty(
+                      const std::string& propName,
                       cmTarget *target,
                       cmGeneratorExpression::PreprocessContext preprocessRule,
                       ImportPropertyMap &properties,
@@ -403,7 +406,7 @@ void cmExportFileGenerator::PopulateInterfaceProperty(const char *propName,
 
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void getPropertyContents(cmTarget const* tgt, const char *prop,
+void getPropertyContents(cmTarget const* tgt, const std::string& prop,
          std::set<std::string> &ifaceProperties)
 {
   const char *p = tgt->GetProperty(prop);
@@ -825,7 +828,7 @@ void
 cmExportFileGenerator
 ::SetImportLinkProperty(std::string const& suffix,
                         cmTarget* target,
-                        const char* propName,
+                        const std::string& propName,
                         std::vector<std::string> const& entries,
                         ImportPropertyMap& properties,
                         std::vector<std::string>& missingTargets
diff --git a/Source/cmExportFileGenerator.h b/Source/cmExportFileGenerator.h
index 57ab378..326fe36 100644
--- a/Source/cmExportFileGenerator.h
+++ b/Source/cmExportFileGenerator.h
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ protected:
                                  ImportPropertyMap& properties,
                                  std::vector<std::string>& missingTargets);
   void SetImportLinkProperty(std::string const& suffix,
-                             cmTarget* target, const char* propName,
+                             cmTarget* target, const std::string& propName,
                              std::vector<std::string> const& entries,
                              ImportPropertyMap& properties,
                              std::vector<std::string>& missingTargets);
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ protected:
                                    cmMakefile* mf,
                                    cmTarget* depender,
                                    cmTarget* dependee) = 0;
-  void PopulateInterfaceProperty(const char *,
+  void PopulateInterfaceProperty(const std::string&,
                                  cmTarget *target,
                                  cmGeneratorExpression::PreprocessContext,
                                  ImportPropertyMap &properties,
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ protected:
                                  cmGeneratorExpression::PreprocessContext,
                                  ImportPropertyMap &properties,
                                  std::vector<std::string> &missingTargets);
-  void PopulateInterfaceProperty(const char *propName, cmTarget *target,
+  void PopulateInterfaceProperty(const std::string& propName, cmTarget *target,
                                  ImportPropertyMap &properties);
   void PopulateCompatibleInterfaceProperties(cmTarget *target,
                                  ImportPropertyMap &properties);
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ protected:
   std::set<cmTarget*> ExportedTargets;
 
 private:
-  void PopulateInterfaceProperty(const char *, const char *,
+  void PopulateInterfaceProperty(const std::string&, const cmStdString&,
                                  cmTarget *target,
                                  cmGeneratorExpression::PreprocessContext,
                                  ImportPropertyMap &properties,
diff --git a/Source/cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator.cxx b/Source/cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator.cxx
index a8a91d6..fe8c8ec 100644
--- a/Source/cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator.cxx
@@ -46,8 +46,9 @@ bool cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator::GenerateMainFile(std::ostream& os)
   return true;
 }
 
-std::string cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator::FindTargets(const char *propName,
-                                                cmTarget const* tgt,
+std::string cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator::FindTargets(
+                                          const std::string& propName,
+                                          cmTarget const* tgt,
                                           std::set<cmTarget const*> &emitted)
 {
   const char *prop = tgt->GetProperty(propName);
diff --git a/Source/cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator.h b/Source/cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator.h
index 71ac0dd..a16fe6b 100644
--- a/Source/cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator.h
+++ b/Source/cmExportTryCompileFileGenerator.h
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ protected:
   std::string InstallNameDir(cmTarget* target,
                              const std::string& config);
 private:
-  std::string FindTargets(const char *prop, cmTarget const* tgt,
+  std::string FindTargets(const std::string& prop, cmTarget const* tgt,
                    std::set<cmTarget const*> &emitted);
 
 
diff --git a/Source/cmGeneratorTarget.cxx b/Source/cmGeneratorTarget.cxx
index a7b2fb6..d9885b9 100644
--- a/Source/cmGeneratorTarget.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmGeneratorTarget.cxx
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ const char *cmGeneratorTarget::GetName() const
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-const char *cmGeneratorTarget::GetProperty(const char *prop) const
+const char *cmGeneratorTarget::GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   return this->Target->GetProperty(prop);
 }
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@ bool cmGeneratorTarget::IsSystemIncludeDirectory(const char *dir,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-bool cmGeneratorTarget::GetPropertyAsBool(const char *prop) const
+bool cmGeneratorTarget::GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   return this->Target->GetPropertyAsBool(prop);
 }
diff --git a/Source/cmGeneratorTarget.h b/Source/cmGeneratorTarget.h
index 1e6ce64..6e19f7d 100644
--- a/Source/cmGeneratorTarget.h
+++ b/Source/cmGeneratorTarget.h
@@ -28,8 +28,8 @@ public:
 
   int GetType() const;
   const char *GetName() const;
-  const char *GetProperty(const char *prop) const;
-  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const char *prop) const;
+  const char *GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const;
+  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const;
   void GetSourceFiles(std::vector<cmSourceFile*>& files) const;
 
   void GetObjectSources(std::vector<cmSourceFile*> &) const;
diff --git a/Source/cmGetTargetPropertyCommand.cxx b/Source/cmGetTargetPropertyCommand.cxx
index 4aa49fe..b64f847 100644
--- a/Source/cmGetTargetPropertyCommand.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmGetTargetPropertyCommand.cxx
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ bool cmGetTargetPropertyCommand
     }
   std::string var = args[0].c_str();
   const std::string& targetName = args[1];
-  const char *prop = 0;
+  std::string prop;
 
   if(args[2] == "ALIASED_TARGET")
     {
@@ -38,7 +38,11 @@ bool cmGetTargetPropertyCommand
   else if(cmTarget* tgt = this->Makefile->FindTargetToUse(targetName))
     {
     cmTarget& target = *tgt;
-    prop = target.GetProperty(args[2].c_str());
+    const char* prop_cstr = target.GetProperty(args[2].c_str());
+    if(prop_cstr)
+      {
+      prop = prop_cstr;
+      }
     }
   else
     {
@@ -70,9 +74,9 @@ bool cmGetTargetPropertyCommand
         }
       }
     }
-  if (prop)
+  if (!prop.empty())
     {
-    this->Makefile->AddDefinition(var.c_str(), prop);
+    this->Makefile->AddDefinition(var.c_str(), prop.c_str());
     return true;
     }
   this->Makefile->AddDefinition(var.c_str(), (var+"-NOTFOUND").c_str());
diff --git a/Source/cmLocalGenerator.cxx b/Source/cmLocalGenerator.cxx
index b86a956..5bfd9da 100644
--- a/Source/cmLocalGenerator.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmLocalGenerator.cxx
@@ -1156,8 +1156,11 @@ void
 cmLocalGenerator::ExpandRuleVariables(std::string& s,
                                       const RuleVariables& replaceValues)
 {
-  this->InsertRuleLauncher(s, replaceValues.CMTarget,
-                           replaceValues.RuleLauncher);
+  if(replaceValues.RuleLauncher)
+    {
+    this->InsertRuleLauncher(s, replaceValues.CMTarget,
+                             replaceValues.RuleLauncher);
+    }
   std::string::size_type start = s.find('<');
   // no variables to expand
   if(start == s.npos)
@@ -1201,7 +1204,7 @@ cmLocalGenerator::ExpandRuleVariables(std::string& s,
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 const char* cmLocalGenerator::GetRuleLauncher(cmTarget* target,
-                                              const char* prop)
+                                              const std::string& prop)
 {
   if(target)
     {
@@ -1215,7 +1218,7 @@ const char* cmLocalGenerator::GetRuleLauncher(cmTarget* target,
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 void cmLocalGenerator::InsertRuleLauncher(std::string& s, cmTarget* target,
-                                          const char* prop)
+                                          const std::string& prop)
 {
   if(const char* val = this->GetRuleLauncher(target, prop))
     {
@@ -3455,11 +3458,12 @@ bool cmLocalGenerator::CheckDefinition(std::string const& define) const
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-static void cmLGInfoProp(cmMakefile* mf, cmTarget* target, const char* prop)
+static void cmLGInfoProp(cmMakefile* mf, cmTarget* target,
+    const std::string& prop)
 {
   if(const char* val = target->GetProperty(prop))
     {
-    mf->AddDefinition(prop, val);
+    mf->AddDefinition(prop.c_str(), val);
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/Source/cmLocalGenerator.h b/Source/cmLocalGenerator.h
index 2e05804..888611d 100644
--- a/Source/cmLocalGenerator.h
+++ b/Source/cmLocalGenerator.h
@@ -382,9 +382,9 @@ protected:
   std::string ExpandRuleVariable(std::string const& variable,
                                  const RuleVariables& replaceValues);
 
-  const char* GetRuleLauncher(cmTarget* target, const char* prop);
+  const char* GetRuleLauncher(cmTarget* target, const std::string& prop);
   void InsertRuleLauncher(std::string& s, cmTarget* target,
-                          const char* prop);
+                          const std::string& prop);
 
 
   /** Convert a target to a utility target for unsupported
diff --git a/Source/cmMakefile.cxx b/Source/cmMakefile.cxx
index 556e7a4..0fce1f4 100644
--- a/Source/cmMakefile.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmMakefile.cxx
@@ -3548,17 +3548,9 @@ int cmMakefile::ConfigureFile(const char* infile, const char* outfile,
   return res;
 }
 
-void cmMakefile::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
+void cmMakefile::SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char* value)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
-
-  // handle special props
-  std::string propname = prop;
-
-  if ( propname == "LINK_DIRECTORIES" )
+  if ( prop == "LINK_DIRECTORIES" )
     {
     std::vector<std::string> varArgsExpanded;
     if(value)
@@ -3568,7 +3560,7 @@ void cmMakefile::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
     this->SetLinkDirectories(varArgsExpanded);
     return;
     }
-  if (propname == "INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES")
+  if (prop == "INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES")
     {
     this->IncludeDirectoriesEntries.clear();
       if (!value)
@@ -3581,7 +3573,7 @@ void cmMakefile::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
                                         cmValueWithOrigin(value, lfbt));
     return;
     }
-  if (propname == "COMPILE_OPTIONS")
+  if (prop == "COMPILE_OPTIONS")
     {
     this->CompileOptionsEntries.clear();
       if (!value)
@@ -3593,7 +3585,7 @@ void cmMakefile::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
     this->CompileOptionsEntries.push_back(cmValueWithOrigin(value, lfbt));
     return;
     }
-  if (propname == "COMPILE_DEFINITIONS")
+  if (prop == "COMPILE_DEFINITIONS")
     {
     this->CompileDefinitionsEntries.clear();
     if (!value)
@@ -3607,13 +3599,13 @@ void cmMakefile::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
     return;
     }
 
-  if ( propname == "INCLUDE_REGULAR_EXPRESSION" )
+  if ( prop == "INCLUDE_REGULAR_EXPRESSION" )
     {
     this->SetIncludeRegularExpression(value);
     return;
     }
 
-  if ( propname == "ADDITIONAL_MAKE_CLEAN_FILES" )
+  if ( prop == "ADDITIONAL_MAKE_CLEAN_FILES" )
     {
     // This property is not inherrited
     if ( strcmp(this->GetCurrentDirectory(),
@@ -3626,18 +3618,11 @@ void cmMakefile::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
   this->Properties.SetProperty(prop,value,cmProperty::DIRECTORY);
 }
 
-void cmMakefile::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
+void cmMakefile::AppendProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                                const char* value,
                                 bool asString)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
-
-  // handle special props
-  std::string propname = prop;
-
-  if (propname == "INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES")
+  if (prop == "INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -3645,7 +3630,7 @@ void cmMakefile::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
                                         cmValueWithOrigin(value, lfbt));
     return;
     }
-  if (propname == "COMPILE_OPTIONS")
+  if (prop == "COMPILE_OPTIONS")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -3653,7 +3638,7 @@ void cmMakefile::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
                                         cmValueWithOrigin(value, lfbt));
     return;
     }
-  if (propname == "COMPILE_DEFINITIONS")
+  if (prop == "COMPILE_DEFINITIONS")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -3661,7 +3646,7 @@ void cmMakefile::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
                                         cmValueWithOrigin(value, lfbt));
     return;
     }
-  if ( propname == "LINK_DIRECTORIES" )
+  if ( prop == "LINK_DIRECTORIES" )
     {
     std::vector<std::string> varArgsExpanded;
     cmSystemTools::ExpandListArgument(value, varArgsExpanded);
@@ -3676,32 +3661,28 @@ void cmMakefile::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
   this->Properties.AppendProperty(prop,value,cmProperty::DIRECTORY,asString);
 }
 
-const char *cmMakefile::GetPropertyOrDefinition(const char* prop) const
+const char *cmMakefile::GetPropertyOrDefinition(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   const char *ret = this->GetProperty(prop, cmProperty::DIRECTORY);
   if (!ret)
     {
-    ret = this->GetDefinition(prop);
+    ret = this->GetDefinition(prop.c_str());
     }
   return ret;
 }
 
-const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
+const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   return this->GetProperty(prop, cmProperty::DIRECTORY);
 }
 
-const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const char* prop,
+const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const std::string& prop,
                                     cmProperty::ScopeType scope) const
 {
-  if(!prop)
-    {
-    return 0;
-    }
   // watch for specific properties
   static std::string output;
   output = "";
-  if (!strcmp("PARENT_DIRECTORY",prop))
+  if (prop == "PARENT_DIRECTORY")
     {
     if(cmLocalGenerator* plg = this->LocalGenerator->GetParent())
       {
@@ -3709,12 +3690,12 @@ const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const char* prop,
       }
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  else if (!strcmp("INCLUDE_REGULAR_EXPRESSION",prop) )
+  else if (prop == "INCLUDE_REGULAR_EXPRESSION" )
     {
     output = this->GetIncludeRegularExpression();
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  else if (!strcmp("LISTFILE_STACK",prop))
+  else if (prop == "LISTFILE_STACK")
     {
     for (std::deque<cmStdString>::const_iterator
         i = this->ListFileStack.begin();
@@ -3728,10 +3709,10 @@ const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const char* prop,
       }
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  else if (!strcmp("VARIABLES",prop) || !strcmp("CACHE_VARIABLES",prop))
+  else if (prop == "VARIABLES" || prop == "CACHE_VARIABLES")
     {
     int cacheonly = 0;
-    if ( !strcmp("CACHE_VARIABLES",prop) )
+    if ( prop == "CACHE_VARIABLES" )
       {
       cacheonly = 1;
       }
@@ -3746,17 +3727,17 @@ const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const char* prop,
       }
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  else if (!strcmp("MACROS",prop))
+  else if (prop == "MACROS")
     {
     this->GetListOfMacros(output);
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  else if (!strcmp("DEFINITIONS",prop))
+  else if (prop == "DEFINITIONS")
     {
     output += this->DefineFlagsOrig;
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  else if (!strcmp("LINK_DIRECTORIES",prop))
+  else if (prop == "LINK_DIRECTORIES")
     {
     cmOStringStream str;
     for (std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator
@@ -3773,7 +3754,7 @@ const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const char* prop,
     output = str.str();
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  else if (!strcmp("INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES",prop))
+  else if (prop == "INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES")
     {
     std::string sep;
     for (std::vector<cmValueWithOrigin>::const_iterator
@@ -3787,7 +3768,7 @@ const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const char* prop,
       }
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  else if (!strcmp("COMPILE_OPTIONS",prop))
+  else if (prop == "COMPILE_OPTIONS")
     {
     std::string sep;
     for (std::vector<cmValueWithOrigin>::const_iterator
@@ -3801,7 +3782,7 @@ const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const char* prop,
       }
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  else if (!strcmp("COMPILE_DEFINITIONS",prop))
+  else if (prop == "COMPILE_DEFINITIONS")
     {
     std::string sep;
     for (std::vector<cmValueWithOrigin>::const_iterator
@@ -3832,7 +3813,7 @@ const char *cmMakefile::GetProperty(const char* prop,
   return retVal;
 }
 
-bool cmMakefile::GetPropertyAsBool(const char* prop) const
+bool cmMakefile::GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   return cmSystemTools::IsOn(this->GetProperty(prop));
 }
@@ -4014,9 +3995,9 @@ void cmMakefile::PopScope()
     }
 }
 
-void cmMakefile::RaiseScope(const char *var, const char *varDef)
+void cmMakefile::RaiseScope(const cmStdString& var, const char *varDef)
 {
-  if (!var || !strlen(var))
+  if (var.empty())
     {
     return;
     }
@@ -4025,10 +4006,10 @@ void cmMakefile::RaiseScope(const char *var, const char *varDef)
   if(cmDefinitions* up = cur.GetParent())
     {
     // First localize the definition in the current scope.
-    cur.Get(var);
+    cur.Get(var.c_str());
 
     // Now update the definition in the parent scope.
-    up->Set(var, varDef);
+    up->Set(var.c_str(), varDef);
     }
   else if(cmLocalGenerator* plg = this->LocalGenerator->GetParent())
     {
@@ -4038,11 +4019,11 @@ void cmMakefile::RaiseScope(const char *var, const char *varDef)
     cmMakefile* parent = plg->GetMakefile();
     if (varDef)
       {
-      parent->AddDefinition(var, varDef);
+      parent->AddDefinition(var.c_str(), varDef);
       }
     else
       {
-      parent->RemoveDefinition(var);
+      parent->RemoveDefinition(var.c_str());
       }
     }
   else
diff --git a/Source/cmMakefile.h b/Source/cmMakefile.h
index 45f3b9f..5f4b803 100644
--- a/Source/cmMakefile.h
+++ b/Source/cmMakefile.h
@@ -800,12 +800,14 @@ public:
   std::string GetModulesFile(const char* name) const;
 
   ///! Set/Get a property of this directory
-  void SetProperty(const char *prop, const char *value);
-  void AppendProperty(const char *prop, const char *value,bool asString=false);
-  const char *GetProperty(const char *prop) const;
-  const char *GetPropertyOrDefinition(const char *prop) const;
-  const char *GetProperty(const char *prop, cmProperty::ScopeType scope) const;
-  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const char *prop) const;
+  void SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char *value);
+  void AppendProperty(const std::string& prop, const char *value,
+                      bool asString=false);
+  const char *GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const;
+  const char *GetPropertyOrDefinition(const std::string& prop) const;
+  const char *GetProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                          cmProperty::ScopeType scope) const;
+  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const;
 
   const char* GetFeature(const char* feature, const char* config);
 
@@ -835,7 +837,7 @@ public:
   // push and pop variable scopes
   void PushScope();
   void PopScope();
-  void RaiseScope(const char *var, const char *value);
+  void RaiseScope(const cmStdString& var, const char *value);
 
   /** Helper class to push and pop scopes automatically.  */
   class ScopePushPop
diff --git a/Source/cmProperty.cxx b/Source/cmProperty.cxx
index 3b37cf3..40976db 100644
--- a/Source/cmProperty.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmProperty.cxx
@@ -12,14 +12,15 @@
 #include "cmProperty.h"
 #include "cmSystemTools.h"
 
-void cmProperty::Set(const char *name, const char *value)
+void cmProperty::Set(const std::string& name, const char *value)
 {
   this->Name = name;
   this->Value = value;
   this->ValueHasBeenSet = true;
 }
 
-void cmProperty::Append(const char *name, const char *value, bool asString)
+void cmProperty::Append(const std::string& name, const char *value,
+                        bool asString)
 {
   this->Name = name;
   if(!this->Value.empty() && *value && !asString)
diff --git a/Source/cmProperty.h b/Source/cmProperty.h
index bb75bb0..789be1d 100644
--- a/Source/cmProperty.h
+++ b/Source/cmProperty.h
@@ -21,10 +21,11 @@ public:
                    TEST, VARIABLE, CACHED_VARIABLE };
 
   // set this property
-  void Set(const char *name, const char *value);
+  void Set(const std::string& name, const char *value);
 
   // append to this property
-  void Append(const char *name, const char *value, bool asString = false);
+  void Append(const std::string& name, const char *value,
+              bool asString = false);
 
   // get the value
   const char *GetValue() const;
diff --git a/Source/cmPropertyDefinition.cxx b/Source/cmPropertyDefinition.cxx
index abc57ce..1af967c 100644
--- a/Source/cmPropertyDefinition.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmPropertyDefinition.cxx
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 #include "cmSystemTools.h"
 
 void cmPropertyDefinition
-::DefineProperty(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
+::DefineProperty(const std::string& name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
                  const char *shortDescription,
                  const char *fullDescription,
                  bool chain)
diff --git a/Source/cmPropertyDefinition.h b/Source/cmPropertyDefinition.h
index 1b6a7a6..9ca8222 100644
--- a/Source/cmPropertyDefinition.h
+++ b/Source/cmPropertyDefinition.h
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ class cmPropertyDefinition
 {
 public:
   /// Define this property
-  void DefineProperty(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
+  void DefineProperty(const std::string& name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
                       const char *ShortDescription,
                       const char *FullDescription,
                       bool chained);
diff --git a/Source/cmPropertyDefinitionMap.cxx b/Source/cmPropertyDefinitionMap.cxx
index db29504..9ebbaa4 100644
--- a/Source/cmPropertyDefinitionMap.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmPropertyDefinitionMap.cxx
@@ -14,16 +14,11 @@
 #include "cmDocumentationSection.h"
 
 void cmPropertyDefinitionMap
-::DefineProperty(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
+::DefineProperty(const cmStdString& name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
                  const char *ShortDescription,
                  const char *FullDescription,
                  bool chain)
 {
-  if (!name)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
-
   cmPropertyDefinitionMap::iterator it = this->find(name);
   cmPropertyDefinition *prop;
   if (it == this->end())
@@ -34,13 +29,8 @@ void cmPropertyDefinitionMap
     }
 }
 
-bool cmPropertyDefinitionMap::IsPropertyDefined(const char *name)
+bool cmPropertyDefinitionMap::IsPropertyDefined(const cmStdString& name)
 {
-  if (!name)
-    {
-    return false;
-    }
-
   cmPropertyDefinitionMap::iterator it = this->find(name);
   if (it == this->end())
     {
@@ -50,13 +40,8 @@ bool cmPropertyDefinitionMap::IsPropertyDefined(const char *name)
   return true;
 }
 
-bool cmPropertyDefinitionMap::IsPropertyChained(const char *name)
+bool cmPropertyDefinitionMap::IsPropertyChained(const cmStdString& name)
 {
-  if (!name)
-    {
-    return false;
-    }
-
   cmPropertyDefinitionMap::iterator it = this->find(name);
   if (it == this->end())
     {
diff --git a/Source/cmPropertyDefinitionMap.h b/Source/cmPropertyDefinitionMap.h
index 736e243..68c3ff3 100644
--- a/Source/cmPropertyDefinitionMap.h
+++ b/Source/cmPropertyDefinitionMap.h
@@ -21,16 +21,16 @@ public std::map<cmStdString,cmPropertyDefinition>
 {
 public:
   // define the property
-  void DefineProperty(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
+  void DefineProperty(const cmStdString& name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
                       const char *ShortDescription,
                       const char *FullDescription,
                       bool chain);
 
   // has a named property been defined
-  bool IsPropertyDefined(const char *name);
+  bool IsPropertyDefined(const cmStdString& name);
 
   // is a named property set to chain
-  bool IsPropertyChained(const char *name);
+  bool IsPropertyChained(const cmStdString& name);
 };
 
 #endif
diff --git a/Source/cmPropertyMap.cxx b/Source/cmPropertyMap.cxx
index e94e3e9..e335b3b 100644
--- a/Source/cmPropertyMap.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmPropertyMap.cxx
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 #include "cmSystemTools.h"
 #include "cmake.h"
 
-cmProperty *cmPropertyMap::GetOrCreateProperty(const char *name)
+cmProperty *cmPropertyMap::GetOrCreateProperty(const std::string& name)
 {
   cmPropertyMap::iterator it = this->find(name);
   cmProperty *prop;
@@ -28,13 +28,9 @@ cmProperty *cmPropertyMap::GetOrCreateProperty(const char *name)
   return prop;
 }
 
-void cmPropertyMap::SetProperty(const char *name, const char *value,
+void cmPropertyMap::SetProperty(const std::string& name, const char *value,
                                 cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
 {
-  if (!name)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
   if(!value)
     {
     this->erase(name);
@@ -46,11 +42,11 @@ void cmPropertyMap::SetProperty(const char *name, const char *value,
   prop->Set(name,value);
 }
 
-void cmPropertyMap::AppendProperty(const char* name, const char* value,
+void cmPropertyMap::AppendProperty(const std::string& name, const char* value,
                                    cmProperty::ScopeType scope, bool asString)
 {
   // Skip if nothing to append.
-  if(!name || !value || !*value)
+  if(!value || !*value)
     {
     return;
     }
@@ -61,12 +57,12 @@ void cmPropertyMap::AppendProperty(const char* name, const char* value,
 }
 
 const char *cmPropertyMap
-::GetPropertyValue(const char *name,
+::GetPropertyValue(const std::string& name,
                    cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
                    bool &chain) const
 {
   chain = false;
-  if (!name)
+  if (name.empty())
     {
     return 0;
     }
diff --git a/Source/cmPropertyMap.h b/Source/cmPropertyMap.h
index 0c3aad4..a13ac35 100644
--- a/Source/cmPropertyMap.h
+++ b/Source/cmPropertyMap.h
@@ -19,15 +19,15 @@ class cmake;
 class cmPropertyMap : public std::map<cmStdString,cmProperty>
 {
 public:
-  cmProperty *GetOrCreateProperty(const char *name);
+  cmProperty *GetOrCreateProperty(const std::string& name);
 
-  void SetProperty(const char *name, const char *value,
+  void SetProperty(const std::string& name, const char *value,
                    cmProperty::ScopeType scope);
 
-  void AppendProperty(const char* name, const char* value,
+  void AppendProperty(const std::string& name, const char* value,
                       cmProperty::ScopeType scope, bool asString=false);
 
-  const char *GetPropertyValue(const char *name,
+  const char *GetPropertyValue(const std::string& name,
                                cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
                                bool &chain) const;
 
diff --git a/Source/cmQtAutoGenerators.cxx b/Source/cmQtAutoGenerators.cxx
index dfb310e..7d0ce5f 100644
--- a/Source/cmQtAutoGenerators.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmQtAutoGenerators.cxx
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ static std::string extractSubDir(const std::string& absPath,
 
 static void copyTargetProperty(cmTarget* destinationTarget,
                                cmTarget* sourceTarget,
-                               const char* propertyName)
+                               const std::string& propertyName)
 {
   const char* propertyValue = sourceTarget->GetProperty(propertyName);
   if (propertyValue)
diff --git a/Source/cmSourceFile.cxx b/Source/cmSourceFile.cxx
index 23422a2..dd95f23 100644
--- a/Source/cmSourceFile.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmSourceFile.cxx
@@ -279,13 +279,8 @@ bool cmSourceFile::Matches(cmSourceFileLocation const& loc)
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmSourceFile::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
+void cmSourceFile::SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char* value)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
-
   this->Properties.SetProperty(prop, value, cmProperty::SOURCE_FILE);
 
   std::string ext =
@@ -293,7 +288,7 @@ void cmSourceFile::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
   if (ext == ".ui")
     {
     cmMakefile const* mf = this->Location.GetMakefile();
-    if (strcmp(prop, "AUTOUIC_OPTIONS") == 0)
+    if (prop == "AUTOUIC_OPTIONS")
       {
       const_cast<cmMakefile*>(mf)->AddQtUiFileWithOptions(this);
       }
@@ -301,19 +296,15 @@ void cmSourceFile::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmSourceFile::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
+void cmSourceFile::AppendProperty(const std::string& prop, const char* value,
                                   bool asString)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
   this->Properties.AppendProperty(prop, value, cmProperty::SOURCE_FILE,
                                   asString);
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-const char* cmSourceFile::GetPropertyForUser(const char *prop)
+const char* cmSourceFile::GetPropertyForUser(const std::string& prop)
 {
   // This method is a consequence of design history and backwards
   // compatibility.  GetProperty is (and should be) a const method.
@@ -329,7 +320,7 @@ const char* cmSourceFile::GetPropertyForUser(const char *prop)
   // cmSourceFileLocation class to commit to a particular full path to
   // the source file as late as possible.  If the users requests the
   // LOCATION property we must commit now.
-  if(strcmp(prop, "LOCATION") == 0)
+  if(prop == "LOCATION")
     {
     // Commit to a location.
     this->GetFullPath();
@@ -340,10 +331,10 @@ const char* cmSourceFile::GetPropertyForUser(const char *prop)
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-const char* cmSourceFile::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
+const char* cmSourceFile::GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   // Check for computed properties.
-  if(strcmp(prop, "LOCATION") == 0)
+  if(prop == "LOCATION")
     {
     if(this->FullPath.empty())
       {
@@ -368,7 +359,7 @@ const char* cmSourceFile::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-bool cmSourceFile::GetPropertyAsBool(const char* prop) const
+bool cmSourceFile::GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   return cmSystemTools::IsOn(this->GetProperty(prop));
 }
diff --git a/Source/cmSourceFile.h b/Source/cmSourceFile.h
index 4440b05..85d6332 100644
--- a/Source/cmSourceFile.h
+++ b/Source/cmSourceFile.h
@@ -43,14 +43,15 @@ public:
   void SetCustomCommand(cmCustomCommand *cc);
 
   ///! Set/Get a property of this source file
-  void SetProperty(const char *prop, const char *value);
-  void AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,bool asString=false);
-  const char *GetProperty(const char *prop) const;
-  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const char *prop) const;
+  void SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char *value);
+  void AppendProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                      const char* value,bool asString=false);
+  const char *GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const;
+  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const;
 
   /** Implement getting a property when called from a CMake language
       command like get_property or get_source_file_property.  */
-  const char* GetPropertyForUser(const char *prop);
+  const char* GetPropertyForUser(const std::string& prop);
 
   /**
    * The full path to the file.  The non-const version of this method
diff --git a/Source/cmTarget.cxx b/Source/cmTarget.cxx
index 1c2b27a..fc2ab25 100644
--- a/Source/cmTarget.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmTarget.cxx
@@ -1293,7 +1293,7 @@ void cmTarget::GatherDependencies( const cmMakefile& mf,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-static bool whiteListedInterfaceProperty(const char *prop)
+static bool whiteListedInterfaceProperty(const std::string& prop)
 {
   if(cmHasLiteralPrefix(prop, "INTERFACE_"))
     {
@@ -1313,8 +1313,8 @@ static bool whiteListedInterfaceProperty(const char *prop)
 
   if (std::binary_search(cmArrayBegin(builtIns),
                          cmArrayEnd(builtIns),
-                         prop,
-                         cmStrCmp(prop)))
+                         prop.c_str(),
+                         cmStrCmp(prop.c_str())))
     {
     return true;
     }
@@ -1328,12 +1328,8 @@ static bool whiteListedInterfaceProperty(const char *prop)
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmTarget::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
+void cmTarget::SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char* value)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
   if (this->GetType() == INTERFACE_LIBRARY
       && !whiteListedInterfaceProperty(prop))
     {
@@ -1344,14 +1340,14 @@ void cmTarget::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
     return;
     }
 
-  if (strcmp(prop, "NAME") == 0)
+  if (prop == "NAME")
     {
     cmOStringStream e;
     e << "NAME property is read-only\n";
     this->Makefile->IssueMessage(cmake::FATAL_ERROR, e.str().c_str());
     return;
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES") == 0)
+  if(prop == "INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->Makefile->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -1362,7 +1358,7 @@ void cmTarget::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
                           new cmTargetInternals::TargetPropertyEntry(cge));
     return;
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"COMPILE_OPTIONS") == 0)
+  if(prop == "COMPILE_OPTIONS")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->Makefile->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -1373,7 +1369,7 @@ void cmTarget::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
                           new cmTargetInternals::TargetPropertyEntry(cge));
     return;
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"COMPILE_DEFINITIONS") == 0)
+  if(prop == "COMPILE_DEFINITIONS")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->Makefile->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -1384,7 +1380,7 @@ void cmTarget::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
                           new cmTargetInternals::TargetPropertyEntry(cge));
     return;
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"EXPORT_NAME") == 0 && this->IsImported())
+  if(prop == "EXPORT_NAME" && this->IsImported())
     {
     cmOStringStream e;
     e << "EXPORT_NAME property can't be set on imported targets (\""
@@ -1392,7 +1388,7 @@ void cmTarget::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
     this->Makefile->IssueMessage(cmake::FATAL_ERROR, e.str().c_str());
     return;
     }
-  if (strcmp(prop, "LINK_LIBRARIES") == 0)
+  if (prop == "LINK_LIBRARIES")
     {
     this->Internal->LinkImplementationPropertyEntries.clear();
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
@@ -1406,13 +1402,9 @@ void cmTarget::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmTarget::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
+void cmTarget::AppendProperty(const std::string& prop, const char* value,
                               bool asString)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
   if (this->GetType() == INTERFACE_LIBRARY
       && !whiteListedInterfaceProperty(prop))
     {
@@ -1422,14 +1414,14 @@ void cmTarget::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
     this->Makefile->IssueMessage(cmake::FATAL_ERROR, e.str().c_str());
     return;
     }
-  if (strcmp(prop, "NAME") == 0)
+  if (prop == "NAME")
     {
     cmOStringStream e;
     e << "NAME property is read-only\n";
     this->Makefile->IssueMessage(cmake::FATAL_ERROR, e.str().c_str());
     return;
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES") == 0)
+  if(prop == "INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->Makefile->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -1438,7 +1430,7 @@ void cmTarget::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
               new cmTargetInternals::TargetPropertyEntry(ge.Parse(value)));
     return;
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"COMPILE_OPTIONS") == 0)
+  if(prop == "COMPILE_OPTIONS")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->Makefile->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -1447,7 +1439,7 @@ void cmTarget::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
               new cmTargetInternals::TargetPropertyEntry(ge.Parse(value)));
     return;
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"COMPILE_DEFINITIONS") == 0)
+  if(prop == "COMPILE_DEFINITIONS")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->Makefile->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -1456,7 +1448,7 @@ void cmTarget::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
               new cmTargetInternals::TargetPropertyEntry(ge.Parse(value)));
     return;
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"EXPORT_NAME") == 0 && this->IsImported())
+  if(prop == "EXPORT_NAME" && this->IsImported())
     {
     cmOStringStream e;
     e << "EXPORT_NAME property can't be set on imported targets (\""
@@ -1464,7 +1456,7 @@ void cmTarget::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,
     this->Makefile->IssueMessage(cmake::FATAL_ERROR, e.str().c_str());
     return;
     }
-  if (strcmp(prop, "LINK_LIBRARIES") == 0)
+  if (prop == "LINK_LIBRARIES")
     {
     cmListFileBacktrace lfbt;
     this->Makefile->GetBacktrace(lfbt);
@@ -2215,7 +2207,7 @@ void cmTarget::GetCompileDefinitions(std::vector<std::string> &list,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmTarget::MaybeInvalidatePropertyCache(const char* prop)
+void cmTarget::MaybeInvalidatePropertyCache(const std::string& prop)
 {
   // Wipe out maps caching information affected by this property.
   if(this->IsImported() && cmHasLiteralPrefix(prop, "IMPORTED"))
@@ -2230,8 +2222,8 @@ void cmTarget::MaybeInvalidatePropertyCache(const char* prop)
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 static void cmTargetCheckLINK_INTERFACE_LIBRARIES(
-  const char* prop, const char* value, cmMakefile* context, bool imported
-  )
+  const std::string& prop, const char* value, cmMakefile* context,
+  bool imported)
 {
   // Look for link-type keywords in the value.
   static cmsys::RegularExpression
@@ -2295,7 +2287,8 @@ static void cmTargetCheckINTERFACE_LINK_LIBRARIES(const char* value,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmTarget::CheckProperty(const char* prop, cmMakefile* context) const
+void cmTarget::CheckProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                             cmMakefile* context) const
 {
   // Certain properties need checking.
   if(cmHasLiteralPrefix(prop, "LINK_INTERFACE_LIBRARIES"))
@@ -2579,7 +2572,7 @@ const char* cmTarget::GetFeature(const char* feature, const char* config) const
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
+const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   return this->GetProperty(prop, cmProperty::TARGET);
 }
@@ -2622,14 +2615,9 @@ bool cmTarget::HandleLocationPropertyPolicy() const
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
+const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const std::string& prop,
                                   cmProperty::ScopeType scope) const
 {
-  if(!prop)
-    {
-    return 0;
-    }
-
   if (this->GetType() == INTERFACE_LIBRARY
       && !whiteListedInterfaceProperty(prop))
     {
@@ -2640,7 +2628,7 @@ const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
     return 0;
     }
 
-  if (strcmp(prop, "NAME") == 0)
+  if (prop == "NAME")
     {
     return this->GetName();
     }
@@ -2653,7 +2641,7 @@ const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
      this->GetType() == cmTarget::MODULE_LIBRARY ||
      this->GetType() == cmTarget::UNKNOWN_LIBRARY)
     {
-    if(strcmp(prop,"LOCATION") == 0)
+    if(prop == "LOCATION")
       {
       if (!this->HandleLocationPropertyPolicy())
         {
@@ -2680,13 +2668,13 @@ const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
         {
         return 0;
         }
-      std::string configName = prop+9;
+      const char* configName = prop.c_str() + 9;
       this->Properties.SetProperty(prop,
-                                   this->GetLocation(configName.c_str()),
+                                   this->GetLocation(configName),
                                    cmProperty::TARGET);
       }
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES") == 0)
+  if(prop == "INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES")
     {
     static std::string output;
     output = "";
@@ -2704,7 +2692,7 @@ const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
       }
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"COMPILE_OPTIONS") == 0)
+  if(prop == "COMPILE_OPTIONS")
     {
     static std::string output;
     output = "";
@@ -2722,7 +2710,7 @@ const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
       }
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"COMPILE_DEFINITIONS") == 0)
+  if(prop == "COMPILE_DEFINITIONS")
     {
     static std::string output;
     output = "";
@@ -2740,7 +2728,7 @@ const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
       }
     return output.c_str();
     }
-  if(strcmp(prop,"LINK_LIBRARIES") == 0)
+  if(prop == "LINK_LIBRARIES")
     {
     static std::string output;
     output = "";
@@ -2757,12 +2745,12 @@ const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
     return output.c_str();
     }
 
-  if (strcmp(prop,"IMPORTED") == 0)
+  if (prop == "IMPORTED")
     {
     return this->IsImported()?"TRUE":"FALSE";
     }
 
-  if(!strcmp(prop,"SOURCES"))
+  if(prop == "SOURCES")
     {
     cmOStringStream ss;
     const char* sep = "";
@@ -2791,7 +2779,7 @@ const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
     }
 
   // the type property returns what type the target is
-  if (!strcmp(prop,"TYPE"))
+  if (prop == "TYPE")
     {
     return cmTarget::GetTargetTypeName(this->GetType());
     }
@@ -2806,7 +2794,7 @@ const char *cmTarget::GetProperty(const char* prop,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-bool cmTarget::GetPropertyAsBool(const char* prop) const
+bool cmTarget::GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   return cmSystemTools::IsOn(this->GetProperty(prop));
 }
@@ -3804,7 +3792,7 @@ bool cmTarget::GetImplibGNUtoMS(std::string const& gnuName,
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmTarget::SetPropertyDefault(const char* property,
+void cmTarget::SetPropertyDefault(const std::string& property,
                                   const char* default_value)
 {
   // Compute the name of the variable holding the default value.
@@ -4740,7 +4728,7 @@ const char * cmTarget::GetLinkInterfaceDependentNumberMaxProperty(
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 bool isLinkDependentProperty(cmTarget const* tgt, const std::string &p,
-                             const char *interfaceProperty,
+                             const std::string& interfaceProperty,
                              const char *config)
 {
   std::vector<cmTarget*> deps;
@@ -5984,14 +5972,14 @@ std::string cmTarget::CheckCMP0004(std::string const& item) const
 
 template<typename PropertyType>
 PropertyType getLinkInterfaceDependentProperty(cmTarget const* tgt,
-                                               const std::string prop,
+                                               const std::string& prop,
                                                const char *config,
                                                CompatibleType,
                                                PropertyType *);
 
 template<>
 bool getLinkInterfaceDependentProperty(cmTarget const* tgt,
-                                       const std::string prop,
+                                       const std::string& prop,
                                        const char *config,
                                        CompatibleType, bool *)
 {
@@ -6000,7 +5988,7 @@ bool getLinkInterfaceDependentProperty(cmTarget const* tgt,
 
 template<>
 const char * getLinkInterfaceDependentProperty(cmTarget const* tgt,
-                                               const std::string prop,
+                                               const std::string& prop,
                                                const char *config,
                                                CompatibleType t,
                                                const char **)
@@ -6025,7 +6013,7 @@ const char * getLinkInterfaceDependentProperty(cmTarget const* tgt,
 template<typename PropertyType>
 void checkPropertyConsistency(cmTarget const* depender,
                               cmTarget const* dependee,
-                              const char *propName,
+                              const cmStdString& propName,
                               std::set<cmStdString> &emitted,
                               const char *config,
                               CompatibleType t,
@@ -6135,32 +6123,32 @@ void cmTarget::CheckPropertyCompatibility(cmComputeLinkInformation *info,
       }
 
     checkPropertyConsistency<bool>(this, li->Target,
-                                   "COMPATIBLE_INTERFACE_BOOL",
-                                   emittedBools, config, BoolType, 0);
+                                std::string("COMPATIBLE_INTERFACE_BOOL"),
+                                emittedBools, config, BoolType, 0);
     if (cmSystemTools::GetErrorOccuredFlag())
       {
       return;
       }
     checkPropertyConsistency<const char *>(this, li->Target,
-                                           "COMPATIBLE_INTERFACE_STRING",
-                                           emittedStrings, config,
-                                           StringType, 0);
+                                std::string("COMPATIBLE_INTERFACE_STRING"),
+                                emittedStrings, config,
+                                StringType, 0);
     if (cmSystemTools::GetErrorOccuredFlag())
       {
       return;
       }
     checkPropertyConsistency<const char *>(this, li->Target,
-                                           "COMPATIBLE_INTERFACE_NUMBER_MIN",
-                                           emittedMinNumbers, config,
-                                           NumberMinType, 0);
+                                std::string("COMPATIBLE_INTERFACE_NUMBER_MIN"),
+                                emittedMinNumbers, config,
+                                NumberMinType, 0);
     if (cmSystemTools::GetErrorOccuredFlag())
       {
       return;
       }
     checkPropertyConsistency<const char *>(this, li->Target,
-                                           "COMPATIBLE_INTERFACE_NUMBER_MAX",
-                                           emittedMaxNumbers, config,
-                                           NumberMaxType, 0);
+                                std::string("COMPATIBLE_INTERFACE_NUMBER_MAX"),
+                                emittedMaxNumbers, config,
+                                NumberMaxType, 0);
     if (cmSystemTools::GetErrorOccuredFlag())
       {
       return;
diff --git a/Source/cmTarget.h b/Source/cmTarget.h
index 471ea94..f0dd708 100644
--- a/Source/cmTarget.h
+++ b/Source/cmTarget.h
@@ -223,12 +223,14 @@ public:
   void FinishConfigure();
 
   ///! Set/Get a property of this target file
-  void SetProperty(const char *prop, const char *value);
-  void AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,bool asString=false);
-  const char *GetProperty(const char *prop) const;
-  const char *GetProperty(const char *prop, cmProperty::ScopeType scope) const;
-  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const char *prop) const;
-  void CheckProperty(const char* prop, cmMakefile* context) const;
+  void SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char *value);
+  void AppendProperty(const std::string&  prop, const char* value,
+          bool asString=false);
+  const char *GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const;
+  const char *GetProperty(const std::string& prop,
+          cmProperty::ScopeType scope) const;
+  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const;
+  void CheckProperty(const std::string& prop, cmMakefile* context) const;
 
   const char* GetFeature(const char* feature, const char* config) const;
 
@@ -632,7 +634,8 @@ private:
 
   // Use a makefile variable to set a default for the given property.
   // If the variable is not defined use the given default instead.
-  void SetPropertyDefault(const char* property, const char* default_value);
+  void SetPropertyDefault(const std::string& property,
+                          const char* default_value);
 
   // Returns ARCHIVE, LIBRARY, or RUNTIME based on platform and type.
   const char* GetOutputTargetType(bool implib) const;
@@ -729,7 +732,7 @@ private:
 
   void ClearLinkMaps();
 
-  void MaybeInvalidatePropertyCache(const char* prop);
+  void MaybeInvalidatePropertyCache(const std::string& prop);
 
   void ProcessSourceExpression(std::string const& expr);
 
diff --git a/Source/cmTargetPropCommandBase.cxx b/Source/cmTargetPropCommandBase.cxx
index 195690e..2a20516 100644
--- a/Source/cmTargetPropCommandBase.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmTargetPropCommandBase.cxx
@@ -16,8 +16,9 @@
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 bool cmTargetPropCommandBase
-::HandleArguments(std::vector<std::string> const& args, const char *prop,
-                 ArgumentFlags flags)
+::HandleArguments(std::vector<std::string> const& args,
+                  const std::string& prop,
+                  ArgumentFlags flags)
 {
   if(args.size() < 2)
     {
diff --git a/Source/cmTargetPropCommandBase.h b/Source/cmTargetPropCommandBase.h
index c402836..555a08a 100644
--- a/Source/cmTargetPropCommandBase.h
+++ b/Source/cmTargetPropCommandBase.h
@@ -29,7 +29,8 @@ public:
   };
 
   bool HandleArguments(std::vector<std::string> const& args,
-                           const char *prop, ArgumentFlags flags = NO_FLAGS);
+                       const std::string& prop,
+                       ArgumentFlags flags = NO_FLAGS);
 
   cmTypeMacro(cmTargetPropCommandBase, cmCommand);
 protected:
diff --git a/Source/cmTest.cxx b/Source/cmTest.cxx
index 9cda978..4ff71ac 100644
--- a/Source/cmTest.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmTest.cxx
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ void cmTest::SetCommand(std::vector<std::string> const& command)
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-const char *cmTest::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
+const char *cmTest::GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   bool chain = false;
   const char *retVal =
@@ -67,28 +67,20 @@ const char *cmTest::GetProperty(const char* prop) const
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-bool cmTest::GetPropertyAsBool(const char* prop) const
+bool cmTest::GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const
 {
   return cmSystemTools::IsOn(this->GetProperty(prop));
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmTest::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
+void cmTest::SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char* value)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
-
   this->Properties.SetProperty(prop, value, cmProperty::TEST);
 }
 
 //----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void cmTest::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value, bool asString)
+void cmTest::AppendProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                            const char* value, bool asString)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
   this->Properties.AppendProperty(prop, value, cmProperty::TEST, asString);
 }
diff --git a/Source/cmTest.h b/Source/cmTest.h
index 1fe8fc0..1becbf7 100644
--- a/Source/cmTest.h
+++ b/Source/cmTest.h
@@ -46,10 +46,11 @@ public:
   void Print() const;
 
   ///! Set/Get a property of this source file
-  void SetProperty(const char *prop, const char *value);
-  void AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value,bool asString=false);
-  const char *GetProperty(const char *prop) const;
-  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const char *prop) const;
+  void SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char *value);
+  void AppendProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                      const char* value,bool asString=false);
+  const char *GetProperty(const std::string& prop) const;
+  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop) const;
   cmPropertyMap &GetProperties() { return this->Properties; };
 
   /** Get the cmMakefile instance that owns this test.  */
diff --git a/Source/cmake.cxx b/Source/cmake.cxx
index abbabe7..149e299 100644
--- a/Source/cmake.cxx
+++ b/Source/cmake.cxx
@@ -2144,7 +2144,8 @@ void cmake::GenerateGraphViz(const char* fileName) const
 #endif
 }
 
-void cmake::DefineProperty(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
+void cmake::DefineProperty(const std::string& name,
+                           cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
                            const char *ShortDescription,
                            const char *FullDescription,
                            bool chained)
@@ -2155,7 +2156,7 @@ void cmake::DefineProperty(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
 }
 
 cmPropertyDefinition *cmake
-::GetPropertyDefinition(const char *name,
+::GetPropertyDefinition(const std::string& name,
                         cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
 {
   if (this->IsPropertyDefined(name,scope))
@@ -2165,25 +2166,22 @@ cmPropertyDefinition *cmake
   return 0;
 }
 
-bool cmake::IsPropertyDefined(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
+bool cmake::IsPropertyDefined(const std::string& name,
+                              cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
 {
   return this->PropertyDefinitions[scope].IsPropertyDefined(name);
 }
 
-bool cmake::IsPropertyChained(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
+bool cmake::IsPropertyChained(const std::string& name,
+                              cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
 {
   return this->PropertyDefinitions[scope].IsPropertyChained(name);
 }
 
-void cmake::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
+void cmake::SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char* value)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
-
   // Special hook to invalidate cached value.
-  if(strcmp(prop, "DEBUG_CONFIGURATIONS") == 0)
+  if(prop == "DEBUG_CONFIGURATIONS")
     {
     this->DebugConfigs.clear();
     }
@@ -2191,15 +2189,11 @@ void cmake::SetProperty(const char* prop, const char* value)
   this->Properties.SetProperty(prop, value, cmProperty::GLOBAL);
 }
 
-void cmake::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value, bool asString)
+void cmake::AppendProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                           const char* value, bool asString)
 {
-  if (!prop)
-    {
-    return;
-    }
-
   // Special hook to invalidate cached value.
-  if(strcmp(prop, "DEBUG_CONFIGURATIONS") == 0)
+  if(prop == "DEBUG_CONFIGURATIONS")
     {
     this->DebugConfigs.clear();
     }
@@ -2207,23 +2201,19 @@ void cmake::AppendProperty(const char* prop, const char* value, bool asString)
   this->Properties.AppendProperty(prop, value, cmProperty::GLOBAL, asString);
 }
 
-const char *cmake::GetProperty(const char* prop)
+const char *cmake::GetProperty(const std::string& prop)
 {
   return this->GetProperty(prop, cmProperty::GLOBAL);
 }
 
-const char *cmake::GetProperty(const char* prop, cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
+const char *cmake::GetProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                               cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
 {
-  if(!prop)
-    {
-    return 0;
-    }
   bool chain = false;
 
   // watch for special properties
-  std::string propname = prop;
   std::string output = "";
-  if ( propname == "CACHE_VARIABLES" )
+  if ( prop == "CACHE_VARIABLES" )
     {
     cmCacheManager::CacheIterator cit =
       this->GetCacheManager()->GetCacheIterator();
@@ -2237,7 +2227,7 @@ const char *cmake::GetProperty(const char* prop, cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
       }
     this->SetProperty("CACHE_VARIABLES", output.c_str());
     }
-  else if ( propname == "COMMANDS" )
+  else if ( prop == "COMMANDS" )
     {
     cmake::RegisteredCommandsMap::iterator cmds
         = this->GetCommands()->begin();
@@ -2252,12 +2242,12 @@ const char *cmake::GetProperty(const char* prop, cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
       }
     this->SetProperty("COMMANDS",output.c_str());
     }
-  else if ( propname == "IN_TRY_COMPILE" )
+  else if ( prop == "IN_TRY_COMPILE" )
     {
     this->SetProperty("IN_TRY_COMPILE",
                       this->GetIsInTryCompile()? "1":"0");
     }
-  else if ( propname == "ENABLED_LANGUAGES" )
+  else if ( prop == "ENABLED_LANGUAGES" )
     {
     std::string lang;
     if(this->GlobalGenerator)
@@ -2278,7 +2268,7 @@ const char *cmake::GetProperty(const char* prop, cmProperty::ScopeType scope)
   return this->Properties.GetPropertyValue(prop, scope, chain);
 }
 
-bool cmake::GetPropertyAsBool(const char* prop)
+bool cmake::GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop)
 {
   return cmSystemTools::IsOn(this->GetProperty(prop));
 }
diff --git a/Source/cmake.h b/Source/cmake.h
index dfec55c..e89868c 100644
--- a/Source/cmake.h
+++ b/Source/cmake.h
@@ -269,11 +269,13 @@ class cmake
   void GetGeneratorDocumentation(std::vector<cmDocumentationEntry>&);
 
   ///! Set/Get a property of this target file
-  void SetProperty(const char *prop, const char *value);
-  void AppendProperty(const char *prop, const char *value,bool asString=false);
-  const char *GetProperty(const char *prop);
-  const char *GetProperty(const char *prop, cmProperty::ScopeType scope);
-  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const char *prop);
+  void SetProperty(const std::string& prop, const char *value);
+  void AppendProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                      const char *value,bool asString=false);
+  const char *GetProperty(const std::string& prop);
+  const char *GetProperty(const std::string& prop,
+                          cmProperty::ScopeType scope);
+  bool GetPropertyAsBool(const std::string& prop);
 
   // Get the properties
   cmPropertyMap &GetProperties() { return this->Properties; };
@@ -317,18 +319,18 @@ class cmake
   void MarkCliAsUsed(const std::string& variable);
 
   // Define a property
-  void DefineProperty(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
+  void DefineProperty(const std::string& name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope,
                       const char *ShortDescription,
                       const char *FullDescription,
                       bool chain = false);
 
   // get property definition
   cmPropertyDefinition *GetPropertyDefinition
-  (const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope);
+  (const std::string& name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope);
 
   // Is a property defined?
-  bool IsPropertyDefined(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope);
-  bool IsPropertyChained(const char *name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope);
+  bool IsPropertyDefined(const std::string& name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope);
+  bool IsPropertyChained(const std::string& name, cmProperty::ScopeType scope);
 
   /** Get the list of configurations (in upper case) considered to be
       debugging configurations.*/