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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.

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.


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This document was generated by Jeff Bailey on December, 25 2002 using texi2html