CODEWITHSUNDEEP
makefilegnu-make
Kenenbek Arzymatov
Kenenbek Arzymatov

Reputation: 9109

Can't override target-specific variable

I have such Makefile:

print: var1=inside

print:
    @echo $(var1)

When I run var1=outside make -e print. I expected to see:

outside

Because of:

Variables provided on the command line (and in the environment if the ‘-e’ option is in force) will take precedence.

But I get:

inside

Is it a correct output?

Upvotes: 2

Views: 132

Answers (1)

MadScientist
MadScientist

Reputation: 100781

It is expected; whether or not it's correct I guess depends on who you ask.

The -e option is in effect for "global" variables in makefiles, but target-specific variables take precedence over globally-scoped variables.

Personally I think -e was a mistake and never should have existed. But, you know, POSIX and all. Even though it exists I recommend that it be avoided. It's far, far too easy to completely mess up your build in confusing and surprising ways.

ETA Well, maybe it's not expected. Maybe it is a bug. Where did you get that quote you provided? With just that sentence from a 225-page document it's hard to say... a link or at least a section name would be helpful.

Upvotes: 2

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