[R] [OT] autoconf - use existing libs or compile own

[Jason Turner]

I'm building a small library that uses a handful of Lapack functions
(dstevr and its dependants).  Since not everybody has Lapack installed, 
I thought it might be neighborly to provide these routines, so folks
could compile them if needed.  However, if they've got Lapack it makes
sense to use the existing libraries, as these may well be optimized
to the local machine.

Is that a good way to proceed?  If so, does anyone have pointers
on how to set up autoconf to do this sort of thing?  I've only
ever set it up to check for libs, and halt the build if the
libs aren't found.  I've never made it take the initiative and
roll its own libraries if it can't find them.

RTFM is a perfectly good answer, but if you could mention which FM, 
I'd appreciate it.  The above seemed a bit more complex than
what I'm able to get out of "Writing R Extensions".  That may say
more about me than the document, though.

Cheers

Jason
-- 
Indigo Industrial Controls Ltd.
64-21-343-545
jasont at indigoindustrial.co.nz
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