Create a target that does not represent a file.
Section: Targets, prerequisites, and recipes
Phony target
makefile
makefile
.PHONY: test
test:
pytest -qExplanation
Use phony targets for commands like `test`, `clean`, and `deploy`.
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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.