Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

also, since forever, you can use a semicolon and put the rule on the same line:

    target : deps ; rule
There are certainly a lot of legitimate criticisms of make, but the tabs issue is ridiculous (as are complains about .PHONY).


Tabs are absolutely a valid criticism. I can't tell you how many times the editor I'm using put in 4 spaces instead of a proper tab.

.PHONY is truly a bizarre construction. There's nothing like it in modern code systems. It's only by familiarity with make that it gains some semblance of normalcy.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: