Menu
Although both names will do the job, what is the correct name for makefiles?
GNU `make' homepage uses Makefile, and I guess it is the good way to name it. Any reasons for typing the front M in upper case ?
524
Makefile (capitalized) is a standard in Unix world, where file system is case sensitive (i.e. makefile , MAKEFILE and Makefile are all different files). On Windows, it doesn't matter.
Makefiles contain five kinds of things: explicit rules , implicit rules , variable definitions , directives , and comments . Rules, variables, and directives are described at length in later chapters. An explicit rule says when and how to remake one or more files, called the rule's targets.
The built-in rules version of . MAKEFILES tells make to look for makefile or Makefile in the working directory. makefile is tried first; Makefile is used only if makefile cannot be found. You can also use the -f file option to give the name of the user makefile explicitly.
The make utility requires a file, Makefile (or makefile ), which defines set of tasks to be executed. You may have used make to compile a program from source code. Most open source projects use make to compile a final executable binary, which can then be installed using make install .
What Name to Give Your Makefile chapter of GNU Make manual clarifies it:
By default, when
makelooks for the makefile, it tries the following names, in order:GNUmakefile,makefileandMakefile. Normally you should call your makefile eithermakefileorMakefile. (We recommendMakefilebecause it appears prominently near the beginning of a directory listing, right near other important files such asREADME.) The first name checked,GNUmakefile, is not recommended for most makefiles. You should use this name if you have a makefile that is specific to GNUmake, and will not be understood by other versions of make. Other make programs look formakefileandMakefile, but notGNUmakefile.
90
If you love us? You can donate to us via Paypal or buy me a coffee so we can maintain and grow! Thank you!
Donate Us With
