Hello,
I'm using make version 3.79.1 on a Solaris 7 machine and have run across
a peculiar feature when using target-specific variables. Basically,
global variables are being used in the prerequisite section while
target-specific variables are used in the command lines. An example
Makefile and run session follow:
Makefile
------------------
file=global_junk
my_target: file = junk
my_target: $(file)
echo $(file)
------------------
>gmake my_target
gmake: *** No rule to make target `global_junk', needed by `my_target'.
Stop.
>touch global_junk
>gmake my_target
echo junk
junk
-------------------
The documentation confirms this behavior.
"As with automatic variables, these values are only available within the
context of a target's command script (and in other target-specific
assignments)."
To me, it seems odd that in the Makefile above the $(file) variable has
different values in the prereq. and command section. Why are
target-specific variables handled in this way? My desired result is
that the target-specific variable be used for _both_ the prereq. section
and the commands. Would it make sense for target specific variables to
behave in this way?
Thanks,
-- Tom Drabenstott
