Library Name Collision: External Registry Libraries Override Built-in Framework Libraries

[sylque]

Problem

When using lib_ldf_mode = off and explicitly declaring dependencies, PlatformIO resolves library names to external registry libraries instead of built-in framework libraries, even when the intent is to use the framework's native implementation.

Example

User specifies ESP32's built-in Preferences library:

{
  "dependencies": {
    "Preferences": "*"
  }
}

PlatformIO incorrectly resolves this to vshymanskyy/Preferences from the registry instead of the native ESP32 framework library.

Impact

• Project Breakage: Working projects can suddenly break when someone registers a library with a conflicting name (e.g., Wire, SPI, Preferences)
• Unpredictable Builds: Library resolution depends on external registry state rather than framework specifications

Workaround

Specify exact versions that don't exist in external registry:

{
  "dependencies": {
    "Preferences": "3.3.1"
  }
}

This is fragile and not a long-term solution: it will break if someone registers a library with the same name and with that version

Possible Solutions

1. Explicit Framework Syntax: Add syntax to explicitly reference framework libraries:

   • "framework:Preferences": "*"
   • "builtin:Preferences": "*"

2. Priority-based Resolution: Built-in framework libraries should take precedence over registry libraries when names conflict

References

Original discussion: https://community.platformio.org/t/how-to-explicitly-include-a-built-in-framework-library/52570

-----------
EDIT: it seems the problem only occurs in a library.json file ("dependencies" clause), not in platformio.ini ("lib_deps" clause).

[sylque]

Any news on this? It looks like a terrible issue. I'm tempted to register my own Wire and SPI library to see what happens...

[vortigont]

Same here adafruit/Adafruit-ST7735-Library#216