Migrating makefiles from Unix to Windows

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of using Unix-originated makefiles on Windows Vista, exploring potential solutions for migration and compatibility issues. The scope includes technical explanations and practical applications related to software development environments.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about guidelines for migrating a Unix makefile to Windows.
  • Another participant suggests using Cygwin as a potential solution, emphasizing the incompatibility between Windows and Unix systems.
  • It is noted that without a POSIX subsystem like Cygwin or Interix, migration may not be feasible due to dependencies on Unix-standard executables.
  • A participant mentions that they have the necessary tools installed but are still facing issues, speculating that there may be syntax differences in the makefile.
  • Another participant asks if the user has tried using a version of make specifically designed for Windows.
  • A later reply confirms that using a Windows-compatible version of make works effectively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of migrating makefiles directly, with some advocating for using Cygwin while others suggest alternative approaches. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method for migration.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge potential limitations related to the availability of Unix tools on Windows and the need for a POSIX environment, but specific assumptions or dependencies are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

Developers and users transitioning from Unix-based systems to Windows who are dealing with makefiles and seeking compatibility solutions.

zevik
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How do I use a Unix-originated makefile on Windows Vista? Is there any simple guidelines for migrating the makefile such that it works?
 
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Um... it depends... 1st thing I'd try would be Cygwin. That would probably be the only thing I'd try under Windows. Migrating... just no! Without a POSIX subsystem(like Cygwin/Interix), there just isn't a feasible way to do it.

The problem comes from the fact that Windows and *nix are totally different, and almost completely incompatible. The makefile is likely to depend on certain executable that come standard on *nix being on your system, but they won't be there.

Basically, if your going to use *nix tools, it's easiest to install a *nix. There are Linux distros for people who are used to Windows. I think "Mint" is a special made distro for Win-converts. Anyway, point is, you CAN have both.
 
TylerH said:
Um... it depends... 1st thing I'd try would be Cygwin. That would probably be the only thing I'd try under Windows. Migrating... just no! Without a POSIX subsystem(like Cygwin/Interix), there just isn't a feasible way to do it.

The problem comes from the fact that Windows and *nix are totally different, and almost completely incompatible. The makefile is likely to depend on certain executable that come standard on *nix being on your system, but they won't be there.

Basically, if your going to use *nix tools, it's easiest to install a *nix. There are Linux distros for people who are used to Windows. I think "Mint" is a special made distro for Win-converts. Anyway, point is, you CAN have both.

Thanks TylerH.

In my case, I made sure that I have all the tools: ld, sed, compiler, make. but it still didn't work, so I was thinking that maybe the make itself (or some other tool) is using some slightly different syntax or something like that, and I was wondering - maybe there are some basic differences in sytax etc. that are common knowledge for people here..

It eems that I will have to use Cygwin like you're saying, or some virtualization, but I still have some hope..
 
It works like a charm.
Thanks story645 - this is a great collection.
 

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