Special Macros

NMAKE predefines several macros. The first six macros below return one or more file specifications for the files in the target/dependent line of a description block. Except where noted, the file specification includes the path of the file, the base file name, and the file-name extension.

Macro

Value
$@
The specification of the target file.
$*
The base name (without extension) of the target file. Path information is also returned if the path was specified as part of the target file name. This macro cannot be used in a dependent list.
$**
The specifications of the dependent files.
$?
The specifications for only those dependent files that are out-of-date with respect to the targets.
$<
The specification of a single dependent file that is out-of-date with respect to the targets. This macro is used only in inference rules.
$$@
The file specification of the target that NMAKE is currently evaluating. This is a dynamic dependency parameter, used only in dependent lists.
$(CC)
The string ICC, which is the command to run the C Set ++ Compiler. You can redefine this macro to use a different command.
$(AS)
The string MASM, which is the command to run the Macro Assembler (MASM). You can redefine this macro to use a different command.
$(MAKE)
The command name used to run NMAKE. This macro is used to invoke NMAKE recursively. If you redefine this macro, NMAKE issues a warning message.

Note: NMAKE executes the command line in which $(MAKE) appears, even if the display commands (/N) option is on.

$(MAKEFLAGS)
The NMAKE options currently in effect. You cannot redefine this macro.

Note: The special macros $** and $$@ are the only exceptions to the rule that macro names longer than one character must be enclosed in parentheses.

You can append characters to any of the first six macros in this list to modify the meaning of the macro. However, you cannot use macro substitutions in these macros.

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