IDE project build configuration - how does it work?

[ericshufro]

Hello.

What is the name of the technology, or if open source, the components used that enable the IDE to allow users to select components for their project? The IDE amazingly understands information about the components such as dependencies and downloads those as well in to the build tree. I would like to study this a bit and a nudge in the right direction would be great. Thanks! -e