Why Use NMAKE?

The most common use of NMAKE is to automate the process of updating a project after you make a change to a source file. Large projects tend to have many source files. Often, only a few of your source files need to be compiled when you make a change. You set up a special text file called a "description" file, or a "makefile", that tells NMAKE:

• Which files depend on others
  
• Which commands, such as compile and link commands, need to be carried out to bring your program up-to-date

This use of NMAKE is only one example of its power. By building suitable description files, you can use NMAKE to

• Make backups 
  Configure data files
  
  Run programs when data files are modified

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