i'm building LFS with little previous linux and no c or c++ experience. on compiling the gcc program, i got an error that reads as such and i'm wondering if someone can tell me what it means and how to fix it:

make[1]: Entering directory `/gcc-build/gcc-4.1.2/gcc'
make[1]: *** No rule to make target `bootstrap'. Stop.
make[1]: Leaving directory `/gcc-build/gcc-4.1.2/gcc'
make: *** [bootstrap] Error 2

cheers

You are obviously trying to build GCC, but what commands were issued to configure and to start the build? Did you apply the LFS patches before attempting the build?

no, I'm following the LFS book and it didn't state to apply any patches.

but I've a new problem now as I rebegan due to the error. new post. thankyou for your reply, because let me tell you, the post was up for a while!!

but i'll look into how to apply the patches, I'm learning as I go, I've some working knowledge of the Linux system, but none with programming, I assume its like editing sudoers file or something.

the commands issued for this, which returned the error 2 message were:
(pwd was /tmp/gcc-build

tar -xvjf gcc-4.1.2
cd /tmp/gcc-build/gcc-4.1.2

then i applied the LFS CC command to enable c language CC="gcc -B/usr/bin/" ../gcc-4.1.2/configure --prefix=/tools \
--with-local-prefix=/tools --disable-nls --enable-shared \
--enable-languages=c

sudo make bootstrap

You need 2 directories in tmp (and do not use /tmp !) !
from http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/lfs/...gcc-pass1.html
1) /home/iconicmoronic/tmp/gcc-4.1.2
2) /home/iconicmoronic/tmp/gcc-build

../gcc-4.1.2/configure .. :
The 2 dots ../ means : look or go outside
this directory (will take you to tmp)

Example with ../../ => then you would be
in /home.

I think the LFS text is pretty clear about
the build directory, you might want to read
it over some more times.

Also remember not to reuse tmp/gcc-4.1.2
and the build dir for the next chapter
(see text, LFS) .. create new ones.

And please refer LFS version and chapter
if you have further questions.

Good Luck !