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Old 02-22-2005, 02:58 AM   #1
utcltjay
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"Make" command


Yea, I know, this is probably one of the simplest things in linux, and as I do consider myself to be pretty technical, just not linux savvy yet, I am baffled by this command. Numerous times I have come across instructions installing drivers and software to use "make" as a command. I am running Novell Linux 9 and you know, I don't think this command is availible... someone please help, I am stuck and cannot install anything right now if I don't figure that out! To make it worse, I cannot be on the internet while in linux, so I have to switch back to Winblows to check this forum, not very streamlined ;(

Thanks!
 
Old 02-22-2005, 03:03 AM   #2
JSpired
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Any chance you could say more? What are you trying to install and why can't you get online?
 
Old 02-22-2005, 03:55 AM   #3
Dark_Helmet
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Put simply, the make program is a tool to automate the compiling process. If you want, you can think of it as an intelligent batch file or script. The developer creates a file (typically named Makefile), that describes how to make certain executables (or more commonly referred to as "targets"). That file describes what source code files the application depends on, what option(s) to give the compiler, and other things of a similar nature.

If you do not have make installed, or an equivalent compile-automation tool, then you're in for a bit of tedious work. Like I said, the Makefile will specify how to compile the files and in what order files need to be compiled. So, in theory, you could open that file, see what it's doing, and execute the commands manually on your own. Makefiles are extremely cryptic however; especially to those not familiar with them. Manual command entry is the path of last resort.

There has to be some sort of automated compilation tool compatible with or similar to make for your system. The functionality make provides is virtually a necessity for everything but the simplest of applications.

Does Novell Linux have any sort of package management? If so, check and install and development packages they include. Distros like Suse, Mandrake, and others omit the gcc compiler, make, and other development tools for default "user" or "workstation" classes of installation. Novell may be similar, requiring you to explicitly include it as an installation option, or to install it manually after the installation.
 
Old 02-22-2005, 10:02 AM   #4
utcltjay
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Thank you Dark Helmet, I figured it was something like that, but the way everyone described it, it sounded like a standard fearture in the shell of any flavor of linux, so I guess I will have to go back and install it. Novell linux is actually just a business oriented version of Suse, which it is built on, and I had used suse before I installed Novell, it was very easy for a beginner. I know that it includes red carpet as one package manager, I didn't even think to try it because I only knew of it working with rpm's. Sometimes it's the simplest things that throw you off!

Oh, and Jspired, I can't get on the internet cause it is a wireless only pc, and that is what I am trying to install
 
  


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