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Most newer/younger people don't like or know Make; it's old, arcane software. It differentiates between TABs and Spaces because each one signifies a different
by invsblduck 6y ago
Most newer/younger people don't like or know Make; it's old, arcane software.
It differentiates between TABs and Spaces because each one signifies a different thing to follow: Lines starting with TAB indicate that a _recipe_ follows (which is shell syntax), and lines NOT starting with TAB indicate that a _rule_ follows (ie., native Makefile grammar/syntax).
Hate it or not, it's been a reliable workhorse for decades.
- bch 6y agoDisclaimer: I like make(1). That said, the description above is accurate, but still describes an almost immediately regrettable mistake[0]. Many are used to it now, and the semantics are “fact” now, but could still have been avoided. [0] https://stackoverflow.com/a/1765566 https://stackoverflow.com/a/1765566
- invsblduck 6y agoThank you for the epic reference! Despite all the classic works in computer history, I've come to realize that TAOUP is honestly/possibly my favorite. ok, maybe tied for favorite...