Follow Techotopia on Twitter

On-line Guides
All Guides
eBook Store
iOS / Android
Linux for Beginners
Office Productivity
Linux Installation
Linux Security
Linux Utilities
Linux Virtualization
Linux Kernel
System/Network Admin
Programming
Scripting Languages
Development Tools
Web Development
GUI Toolkits/Desktop
Databases
Mail Systems
openSolaris
Eclipse Documentation
Techotopia.com
Virtuatopia.com
Answertopia.com

How To Guides
Virtualization
General System Admin
Linux Security
Linux Filesystems
Web Servers
Graphics & Desktop
PC Hardware
Windows
Problem Solutions
Privacy Policy

  




 

 

[ < ] [ > ]   [ << ] [ Up ] [ >> ]         [Top] [Contents] [Index] [ ? ]

10. Using Implicit Rules

Certain standard ways of remaking target files are used very often. For example, one customary way to make an object file is from a C source file using the C compiler, cc.

Implicit rules tell make how to use customary techniques so that you do not have to specify them in detail when you want to use them. For example, there is an implicit rule for C compilation. File names determine which implicit rules are run. For example, C compilation typically takes a `.c' file and makes a `.o' file. So make applies the implicit rule for C compilation when it sees this combination of file name endings.

A chain of implicit rules can apply in sequence; for example, make will remake a `.o' file from a `.y' file by way of a `.c' file.

The built-in implicit rules use several variables in their commands so that, by changing the values of the variables, you can change the way the implicit rule works. For example, the variable CFLAGS controls the flags given to the C compiler by the implicit rule for C compilation.

You can define your own implicit rules by writing pattern rules.

Suffix rules are a more limited way to define implicit rules. Pattern rules are more general and clearer, but suffix rules are retained for compatibility.

10.1 Using Implicit Rules  How to use an existing implicit rule to get the commands for updating a file.
10.2 Catalogue of Implicit Rules  A list of built-in implicit rules.
10.3 Variables Used by Implicit Rules  How to change what predefined rules do.
10.4 Chains of Implicit Rules  How to use a chain of implicit rules.
10.5 Defining and Redefining Pattern Rules  How to define new implicit rules.
10.6 Defining Last-Resort Default Rules  How to defining commands for rules which cannot find any.
10.7 Old-Fashioned Suffix Rules  The old-fashioned style of implicit rule.
10.8 Implicit Rule Search Algorithm  The precise algorithm for applying implicit rules.


[ < ] [ > ]   [ << ] [ Up ] [ >> ]         [Top] [Contents] [Index] [ ? ]

 
 
  Published under the terms of the GNU General Public License Design by Interspire