Node:Run Time, Next:Systemology, Previous:Examining Libraries, Up:Writing Tests

Checking Run Time Behavior

Sometimes you need to find out how a system performs at run time, such as whether a given function has a certain capability or bug. If you can, make such checks when your program runs instead of when it is configured. You can check for things like the machine's endianness when your program initializes itself.

If you really need to test for a run-time behavior while configuring, you can write a test program to determine the result, and compile and run it using AC_TRY_RUN. Avoid running test programs if possible, because this prevents people from configuring your package for cross-compiling.

• Test Programs: Running test programs
• Guidelines: General rules for writing test programs
• Test Functions: Avoiding pitfalls in test programs