Define a target, prerequisites, and recipe.
Section: Targets, prerequisites, and recipes
Basic rule
makefile
makefile
build/app: main.o util.o
cc -o build/app main.o util.oExplanation
A rule maps a target to prerequisites and the commands needed to update it.
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Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.
Related commands
Same sheet · prioritizing Targets, prerequisites, and recipes
Rule with multiple prerequisites
Rebuild target when any listed prerequisite changes.
Multiple targets one recipe
Attach the same recipe to multiple targets.
Order-only prerequisite
Require creation order without forcing rebuilds when the prerequisite timestamp changes.