Inference rules provide templates for building files with specific extensions. For example, you can define a rule that explains how to turn any .cpp file into an .obj file using a single command, rather than writing a separate block for every source file in your project. How to Use NMAKE Setting Up the Environment
C:\src> nmake C:\src> nmake clean
: The specific operations (e.g., calling cl.exe for compilation) needed to create the target. Inference rules provide templates for building files with
NMAKE: The Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility The is a powerful command-line tool included with the Visual Studio toolset. It is designed to automate the process of building and maintaining projects by processing makefiles , which contain the instructions and dependencies required to compile and link software applications.
calc.exe: $(OBJS) link $(OBJS) /OUT:$@
nmake remains a viable, lightweight build tool for legacy Windows projects and simple command-line builds. While lacking modern features, it integrates well with MSVC and can be used as a backend for CMake. Understanding nmake is valuable when maintaining older Windows codebases or working in minimal build environments.
At its core, NMAKE functions by comparing the timestamps of target files (like .exe or .obj ) against their source dependencies (like .cpp or .h ). If a source file has a newer timestamp than its target, NMAKE executes the specified commands to rebuild that target. 1. Description Blocks NMAKE: The Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility The is
In this example, the Makefile defines how to build myapp.exe from myapp.cpp . Running nmake builds the project according to the rules specified.
all: calc.exe
Macros allow you to define reusable strings throughout your makefile, similar to variables in programming. They are commonly used for compiler flags, file paths, and list of source files.