Creating Makefile or Project File?

[DonB]

I'm using Borland's TurboC++ 2006 Explorer.
I'm working on a class project, and have a program consisting of 3 files:

Header (.h)
Definitions (.cpp)
Driver (.cpp)

Definitions.cpp contains the typical #include Header.h
The program compiles and links correctly if Driver.cpp contains the statement #include Definitions.cpp
The instructor doesn't like using the #include Definitions.cpp in the Driver.cpp file, and suggests a 'project or makefile' instead.

Is there a way for the Borland IDE to generate something I can add to the file list I send to the instructor that will cause the 3 files to compile/link together properly for execution?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[daviddoria]

Yea, I think that generally the convention is to not include .cpp files. Surely you can make a project with any IDE. CMake is becoming pretty popular - it is a "crossplatform project building" utility - that is, in linux, you can generate a makefile or a KDevelop project. In windows you can generate a visual studio project. It's much much easier than writing makefile yourself for large projects, but for this small of a project I'm sure you could find a makefile tutorial online (this one looks reasonable http://www.opussoftware.com/tutorial/TutMakefile.htm)

Dave

[Narue]

>I'm using Borland's TurboC++ 2006 Explorer.
Then you shouldn't need a makefile, unless you're turning in just the source for your project. IDEs handle that kind of grunt work for you.

>The instructor doesn't like using the #include Definitions.cpp in the Driver.cpp file
Wise of him. It's a bad habit to get into because it's a breeding ground for multiple definition errors. #include is a glorified copy/paste, and if you place duplicate definitions in multiple files and then link them together, the linker will complain.

>and suggests a 'project or makefile' instead.
As I said, since you're using an IDE, you should already have a project. The only concern then is whether or not your instructor is using an IDE that's compatible with yours. Alternatively, if all you have is two source files and a header, your instructor can easily rebuild your project in his IDE, or compile manually from the command line. It's as simple as this:

C:\> bcc32 Driver.cpp Definitions.cpp

A makefile just makes that easier such that the command is:

C:\> make my_makefile

Not much win there, so for simple projects the extra complications of makefiles are unnecessary.

[DonB]

Your answer is right on. I'm only turning in the source, and I've no idea what IDE(s) the instructor has available. Your command-line option is exactly what I was looking for, but just couldn't tweak out of the IDE's on-line documentation Thx.