# Filename: makefile2
# Usage: make-f makefile2
# Description: Maintains all the dependencies between modules using the
# Agenda1.

CC=g++
CFLAGS=-c -Wall
LDFLAGS=
SOURCE_MODULES=main.cpp factorial.cpp hello.cpp
OBJECT_MODULES=$(SOURCE_MODULES:.cpp=.o)
EXECUTABLE=programa1
all: $(OBJECT_MODULES) $(EXECUTABLE)
$(EXECUTABLE): $(OBJECT_MODULES)
$(CC) $(LDFLAGS) $^ -o $@
.o: .cpp
$(CC) $(CFLAGS) $< -o $@


I am suppose to explain the dependencies that exist and each of the following lines of makefile. Lists
orders to be executed as a result of running the make utility on it.
Can anyone provide a guide or good information on this subject before I embark on this question

Especially given it's a homework question, you're doing it the wrong way round... A better way to do this would be to look for the information, then say "I don't understand X" (ie, I can't understand exactly what the CC variable is/does). This is better for lots of reasons:
I) People are normally happier to help people if they think the person's made some effort in solving the problem themselves - this could either "If they can't be bothered then neither can I" or "I think they'll learn more if they discover it for themselves"
II) Your question is rather wide - the subject of makefiles is rather big, and even if we're only talking about using them for compiling C++ programmes, then there are still lots of things you can do with it. Providing a specific enquiry can be helpful just to know where to start and for getting answers that target the question you want answered, rather than what the poster thinks you want answered.
III) You will have learnt a lot more, both in the way of skills and information that lasts, by reading and searching for it for yourself than being spoon-fed by members

That said, try typing "Introduction to makefiles" into Google - the first two hits are from the GNU project "make" documentation, and explain all questions I could think that you would want to ask about the subject...

1 members found this post helpful.

Thanks for your help, I know its a homework question, I need to understand the concept before I take a shot at the questions

I know you know that... Hehe, all I was saying was that doing the research before asking is good

The basic concept, as I hope you will pick up, is that you tell "make" what it needs to do to build each file, and crucially which files each file depends upon. So then it only rebuilds files whose dependencies and/or source have changed - it saves time. Of course, it can be applied to many more things (I've mostly seen it used for compiling things like java/C/C++/LaTeX, but I do remember seeing some rather incredible uses for it... I forget exactly what they are now :/)