Microsoft KB Archive/43064

= Using the Backslash (&quot;\&quot;) Character in NMAKE =

Article ID: 43064

Article Last Modified on 12/1/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.2
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.2
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.2
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.2
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.2
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.3
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.4
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.4
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.4
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.4
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.4
 * Microsoft Program Maintenance Utility 1.4

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This article was previously published under Q43064



SUMMARY
In NMAKE, the backslash &quot;\&quot; character has two different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can be used as a line- continuation character or as a path specifier.



MORE INFORMATION
The backslash is used primarily as a line-continuation character. For example, if a dependency line in your makefile extends to more than one line, use the backslash to continue it to the next line. You can place a space prior to the backslash or append it directly to the last dependent file, as the following examples demonstrate:

TARGET1: obj1 obj2 obj3 obj4 obj5 \

obj6 obj7

TARGET2: obj1 obj2 obj3 obj4 obj5\

obj6 obj7

NMAKE also uses the backslash as a path specifier. When a backslash is the last character on a line and is used as a path specifier, place a caret &quot;^&quot; character before the backslash to override its default use as a line-continuation character.

The following macro definition demonstrates using the backslash as a path specifier. exe_dir = c:\bin^\ In the following case, NMAKE interprets the trailing backslash as a line-continuation character which is contrary to the meaning the context requires: exe_dir = c:\bin\ In a macro, specifying two backslashes in succession (&quot;\\&quot;) nullifies its use as a line-continuation character. However, when NMAKE expands the macro, both backslash characters appear and an incorrect path results.

Additional query words: kbinf 1.20 1.30 1.40 1.50

Keywords: KB43064

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