Resolving Undefined symbols for architecture arm64 Error When Building an SFML Project on M1 Mac

Learn how to effectively troubleshoot and resolve the "undefined symbols for architecture arm64" error when compiling a basic SFML project on an M1 Mac using g+ + .
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/73752176/ asked by the user 'Amory Acosta' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/19376640/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/73765914/ provided by the user 'Amory Acosta' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/19376640/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: "Undefined symbols for architecture arm64" building basic SFML project on M1 mac with g+ + -12

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Troubleshooting the "Undefined Symbols for Architecture arm64" Error on M1 Mac

Building software on an M1 Mac, especially with a framework like SFML, can sometimes lead to confusion and frustration, particularly when encountering compiler errors. One prevalent issue you might face is the "undefined symbols for architecture arm64" error while compiling a basic SFML project. This guide aims to provide clarity and a straightforward solution to this common problem.

Understanding the Problem

When attempting to compile a basic SFML application, you might receive the following error message:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This error indicates that there are unresolved symbols in the linking process, meaning the compiler can't find specific functions or data that should be defined in the libraries you included.

Common Scenarios Leading to This Error

Incorrect Library Linking: The libraries you are trying to link against may not be compatible with the arm64 architecture of your M1 Mac.

Incorrect Compiler Choice: Using g+ + might not be fully compatible with the SFML libraries you compiled.

Mismatched Versions: The version of SFML, the compiler, or the libraries could be mismatched, leading to unresolved symbols.

Step-by-Step Solution

If you're facing this issue, here’s how you can troubleshoot and resolve it effectively.

1. Remove Existing SFML References

The first step in resolving the problem is to completely remove any existing references to SFML from your system. This step ensures that any misconfigured paths or libraries don’t interfere with your new installation.

2. Install SFML Using Homebrew

After cleaning your system from previous SFML installations, reinstall SFML using Homebrew. This method often avoids the complications of building from source.

To install SFML with Homebrew, execute the following command in your terminal:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

3. Use Clang Instead of g+ +

For M1 Mac users, it’s advisable to use clang+ + instead of g+ + . The native compiler, clang, often has better compatibility with libraries on macOS, especially for the arm64 architecture. To compile your project, modify your command like so:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

4. Test Your Setup

Recompile your project using the new setup. If all went well, the program should compile without the "undefined symbols" error, and you can run your SFML project successfully.

Example Code for Your Main Application

Here’s a quick refresher of the basic code you provided in your project:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By following these steps — removing previous SFML installations, using Homebrew for a clean install, and switching to clang+ + for compilation — you should successfully resolve the "undefined symbols for architecture arm64" error. This approach not only cleans up potential conflicts but also leverages the compatibility advantages of native macOS tools.

If you continue to face issues, consider checking the SFML forums or related communities for further assistance. Happy coding!