The GNU Make Standard Library (GMSL) offers a collection of reusable Makefile functions designed to simplify common build tasks and promote best practices in GNU Make projects. It provides functions for tasks like finding files, managing dependencies, working with directories, handling shell commands, and more. By incorporating GMSL, Makefiles can become more concise, readable, and maintainable, reducing boilerplate and improving consistency across projects. The library is designed to be modular, allowing users to include only the functions they need.
The GNU Make Standard Library (GMSL) project aims to provide a comprehensive collection of reusable Makefile functions and macros, effectively creating a standardized library for GNU Make. This addresses the common problem of Makefiles often being rewritten from scratch for each project, leading to duplicated effort, inconsistencies, and potential errors. GMSL strives to offer a solution by providing pre-built, tested, and documented building blocks that can be easily incorporated into various projects, promoting code reuse and maintainability.
The library covers a wide range of functionalities typically required in Makefiles, including file system operations like creating directories, copying files, and recursively searching directories. It also provides functions for string manipulation, such as finding substrings and replacing text, as well as control flow utilities like conditional statements and loops. Furthermore, GMSL offers higher-level functionalities related to software development processes, including functions for compiling code, linking libraries, and generating documentation. This encompasses support for various programming languages and build systems.
The library is designed with modularity in mind. Users can selectively include only the parts of the library they need, avoiding unnecessary overhead. This granular approach contributes to the flexibility and adaptability of GMSL across diverse project structures and requirements.
A key aspect of GMSL is its focus on portability. The library is designed to work seamlessly across different operating systems and environments, minimizing the need for platform-specific modifications to Makefiles. This cross-platform compatibility is a significant advantage for projects targeting multiple platforms.
Comprehensive documentation accompanies the library, detailing the purpose, usage, and parameters of each function and macro. This facilitates easy integration and understanding of the available functionalities. The documentation also likely includes examples demonstrating the practical application of various library components in real-world scenarios. The aim is to provide clear and accessible guidance for users leveraging GMSL in their projects.
By offering a standardized and well-documented set of Makefile building blocks, GMSL strives to improve the overall efficiency and maintainability of Makefiles. It encourages best practices by promoting code reuse and reducing the likelihood of errors due to reinventing common functionalities. The library aims to be a valuable resource for developers working with GNU Make, simplifying the process of creating robust and portable build systems.
Summary of Comments ( 69 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42945146
Hacker News users discussed the GNU Make Standard Library (GMSL), mostly focusing on its potential usefulness and questioning its necessity. Some commenters appreciated the idea of standardized functions for common Make tasks, finding it could improve readability and reduce boilerplate. Others argued that existing solutions like shell scripts or including Makefiles suffice, viewing GMSL as adding unnecessary complexity. The discussion also touched upon the discoverability of such a library and whether the chosen license (GPLv3) would limit its adoption. Some expressed concern about the potential for GPLv3 to "infect" projects using the library. Finally, a few users pointed out alternatives like using a higher-level build system or other scripting languages to replace Make entirely.
The Hacker News post titled "GNU Make Standard Library" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42945146) has generated several comments discussing the utility and implementation of the library.
One of the most compelling comments highlights the tension between wanting a standardized Make library and the existing diversity of Make implementations. The commenter expresses concern that relying on a specific library might limit the portability of Makefiles, especially given subtle differences in behavior across various Make versions. They suggest that while a standard library could be beneficial, ensuring compatibility across different Make implementations would be crucial for widespread adoption.
Another commenter points out the challenge of implementing a truly portable library due to GNU Make's historical evolution and the resulting inconsistencies in its feature set. They emphasize that features like
guileintegration, though powerful, can further complicate the development of a universal library.The value of the library's functions, such as
abspath, is also discussed. One commenter questions the necessity of such a function, arguing that similar functionality can be achieved through existing Make mechanisms. This sparks a discussion about the readability and maintainability benefits of using library functions, as opposed to relying on potentially more obscure Make syntax.Some commenters express their appreciation for the library, finding it useful and well-designed. They highlight its potential to improve the organization and maintainability of complex Makefiles. The ability to encapsulate common logic into reusable functions is seen as a significant advantage.
The discussion also touches upon alternative approaches, like using shell scripts within Makefiles. While acknowledging the potential of shell scripts, commenters point out that integrating a dedicated Make library offers advantages in terms of consistency and code organization.
Several comments delve into specific technical aspects, like the use of
$(eval ...)and its implications for performance and debugging. Concerns about potential overhead and difficulties in tracing execution flow are raised. Suggestions for alternative implementation strategies are offered.Overall, the comments reflect a mixed reception to the GNU Make Standard Library. While many appreciate the potential benefits of standardized functions and improved code organization, concerns about portability, compatibility with different Make versions, and implementation details are also expressed. The discussion provides valuable insights into the complexities of developing and utilizing a standard library within the GNU Make ecosystem.