MacOS Beta: Fix Libcrypto & Libstdc++ Build Errors

Aug 20, 2025 by Marco 51 views

Troubleshooting libcrypto and libstdc++ Errors on macOS 26 Beta 4

Hey guys! I've been wrestling with some build issues on my macOS 26 Beta 4 while trying to get pg_mooncake up and running. I wanted to share my experience and the solutions I found in case anyone else runs into the same problems. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of libcrypto and libstdc++ errors, and how I managed to fix them. This guide is especially useful if you're tinkering with beta macOS versions or custom PostgreSQL extensions like pg_mooncake.

The Initial Problem: Linker Errors

So, here’s the deal. When I tried to build pg_mooncake, the linker threw a fit because it couldn't find the crypto and stdc++ libraries. The error messages were pretty clear about it, but figuring out the why and how to fix it took some digging.

$ sw_vers                              
ProductName:            macOS
ProductVersion:         26.0
BuildVersion:           25A5316i

The core issue was that the build process couldn't locate these libraries, which are essential for certain functionalities within pg_mooncake. This is where understanding your build environment and how it searches for libraries becomes crucial. We're going to explore how I pinpointed the problem and the steps I took to resolve it, ensuring a smooth build process. This involves tweaking the build configurations to explicitly point to where these libraries reside on your system.

Diving into the libcrypto Issue

Locating the OpenSSL Libraries

Let's talk about libcrypto. I had OpenSSL installed via Homebrew, which is pretty standard for macOS users. The .dylib files, which are dynamic libraries, were chilling in /opt/homebrew/opt/openssl@3/lib. To ensure the build process could find these, I had to tell the linker where to look. This is a common hiccup, especially when dealing with libraries installed in non-standard locations. Knowing where your libraries live is half the battle. I'll walk you through how I updated the build configuration to include the correct search path.

$ pwd
/opt/homebrew/opt/openssl@3/lib

$ l
Permissions Links Size User  Group Date Modified Name
drwxr-xr-x@     3    - steve admin  5 Aug 20:09  cmake
drwxr-xr-x@     5    - steve admin 15 Aug 14:58  engines-3
.r--r--r--@     1 4.7M steve admin 15 Aug 14:58  libcrypto.3.dylib
.r--r--r--@     1 8.3M steve admin  5 Aug 20:09  libcrypto.a
lrwxr-xr-x@     1    - steve admin  5 Aug 20:09  libcrypto.dylib -> libcrypto.3.dylib
.r--r--r--@     1 882k steve admin 15 Aug 14:58  libssl.3.dylib
.r--r--r--@     1 1.5M steve admin  5 Aug 20:09  libssl.a
lrwxr-xr-x@     1    - steve admin  5 Aug 20:09  libssl.dylib -> libssl.3.dylib
drwxr-xr-x@     3    - steve admin 15 Aug 14:58  ossl-modules
drwxr-xr-x@     5    - steve admin 15 Aug 14:58  pkgconfig

The Fix: Updating `build.rs`

To fix this, I tweaked the build.rs file, which is a Rust build script. By adding a rustc-link-search directive, I told the linker to include /opt/homebrew/opt/openssl@3/lib in its search path. This is a neat trick to ensure your build process knows exactly where to find those pesky libraries. It's like giving the linker a map to the treasure! This adjustment ensures that during the linking phase, the compiler knows where to find the necessary OpenSSL libraries, resolving the initial error. This explicit instruction is crucial, especially in environments where libraries aren't in the standard search paths.

// build.rs

    println!("cargo::rustc-link-search=native=/opt/homebrew/opt/openssl@3/lib");

Tackling the libstdc++ Issue

The Deprecation of libstdc++

Now, let's chat about libstdc++. This one's a bit more interesting. It turns out that libstdc++ is deprecated on macOS, and the cool kids are using c++ instead. I learned this gem from my AI buddy, who pointed out that c++ is the modern replacement. So, if you're still clinging to libstdc++, it might be time to make the switch! This transition is part of Apple's move towards newer standards and technologies, so adapting your build scripts accordingly is essential for forward compatibility.

The Swap: stdc++ to c++

To solve this, I made a simple change in the build script. Instead of linking against stdc++, I switched to c++. This is a straightforward fix, but it highlights the importance of staying current with the recommended libraries for your platform. This adjustment not only resolves the immediate linking error but also aligns the project with current macOS development practices, potentially avoiding future compatibility issues. Let's look at the code snippet that illustrates this crucial change.

-    println!("cargo::rustc-link-lib=dylib=stdc++");
+    println!("cargo::rustc-link-lib=dylib=c++");

Reproducing the Issue and Environment Details

The Beta OS Factor

Here's the thing: I'm not entirely sure if this issue is reproducible on other macOS machines, especially since I'm running a beta OS. Beta software can be a bit of a wild card, so your mileage may vary. However, if you're also rocking a beta version, this might just save you some headache. It’s always a good idea to check your specific environment to see if similar issues arise, especially when working with cutting-edge or pre-release software.

Key Environment Details

For those playing along at home, here are the key details of my setup:

OS: macOS 26 beta 4
pg_mooncake Version: c4daebe720eb3b2f873be349616cbc3bff478779
Postgres Version: 17 (distributed via pgrx)
Deployment: pg_mooncake Docker Image

Knowing these details can help others in similar situations troubleshoot their builds. Sharing your environment information is a great way to collaborate and find solutions collectively. This context can be invaluable for developers who might encounter similar issues or who are working in comparable environments.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

So, there you have it! That’s how I tackled the libcrypto and libstdc++ errors on macOS 26 beta 4. It was a bit of a journey, but we got there in the end. Remember, when you hit these kinds of snags, it’s all about understanding your environment, knowing where your libraries are, and making the necessary tweaks to your build configuration. If you're dealing with beta software or custom extensions, these kinds of challenges are part of the game. Keeping an eye on deprecated libraries and staying up-to-date with best practices can save you a lot of headaches down the road. And hey, if you're still scratching your head, don't hesitate to reach out – we're all in this together!

This experience underscores the importance of staying informed about platform-specific changes and library deprecations. It also highlights the value of explicitly configuring build settings to ensure compatibility and avoid common linking errors. By sharing these insights, we can collectively navigate the complexities of software development and build more robust and reliable systems. Happy coding, guys!