The best replacement for ldflags is libs.

The best alternatives to ldflags are rated as following:
★★★★★  libs
★★★★  ldadd
★★★  ldlibs
★★★  ld_library_path
★★  cflags
★  lflags

Your alternative for ldflags is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about ldflags, one probably shouldn't forget about configure.

Other search terms related to ldflags and their ratings are:
★★★★★ configure
You have in mind a companion for ldflags and it is not yet here? Propose!



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ldflags
libs
ldadd