Exit status indicates whether anything is out of date.
Section: Core make commands
Question mode
bash
bash
make -qExplanation
Handy in CI checks or wrapper scripts.
Learn the surrounding workflow
Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.
Related commands
Same sheet · prioritizing Core make commands
Use a specific makefile
Choose a file other than the default makefile names.
Run make in another directory
Change directory before reading the makefile.