An Intro to C/C++ Programming

Copyright©2004 by Daniel B. Sedory


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Makefiles

Makefiles are plain text files that contain the configuration data to compile and/or link one or many programs from a C or C++ source code file, and perhaps many other files such as one would have in a large project. These makefiles often have the filename "makefile" (though are not required to), since the make program for most compilers defaults to that filename when none is specified. This means you only need to execute make at the appropriate command prompt to use a file named makefile in that directory.

The electronic book Thinking In C++ comes with a number of Borland (and other compiler) makefiles. Here's a screenshot and comments about using Borland's make with that book's source code: MAKE with TICPP.   Although similar in function to the special "MAKE" .CMD programs I created for you, Borland's make appears to have a very complex (or perhaps obfuscated is a better word!) set of command operators and syntax that's sure to confuse you! Rather than ever trying to understand all of these at the same time, you should begin with the simplest commands and add more later on when you need to accomplish a particular task.

   In the next section, you'll find a link to tutorial page that contains an Example makefile you can use with all of your Borland C++ 5.5 projects.

 


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Last Update: 27 March 2004.

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