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(make.info.gz) Implicit Rules

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 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.
 

Menu

 
* Using Implicit              How to use an existing implicit rule
                                   to get the commands for updating a file.
* Catalogue of Rules          A list of built-in implicit rules.
* Implicit Variables          How to change what predefined rules do.
* Chained Rules               How to use a chain of implicit rules.
* Pattern Rules               How to define new implicit rules.
* Last Resort                 How to define commands for rules which
                                   cannot find any.
* Suffix Rules                The old-fashioned style of implicit rule.
* Implicit Rule Search        The precise algorithm for applying
                                   implicit rules.
 
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