autoconf

Generate a configuration script from configure.ac (if present) or configure.in and save this script to configure

$ autoconf

$ autoconf [template-file]

$ autoconf [[-f|--force]] [[-o|--output]] [outfile] [template-file]

autoconf [OPTION]... [INPUT-FILE]

--help
    Display a help message and exit.

--version
    Display version information and exit.

-o file
    Specify the output file name (default: configure).

-W category
    Report warnings falling in category.

-v
    Verbose mode. Provide more detailed output during processing.

-t template
    Use the specified template file. Useful to specify the format and content of the config.status script.

-I dir
    Add directory to search path for m4 files.

autoconf is a tool for automatically generating shell scripts to configure software source code packages.
These configure scripts adapt the package to the specific system on which it is being built. It examines the target environment, checking for the presence of necessary programs, libraries, and header files. The output of autoconf is typically a configure script, which is then run by the user to prepare the source code for compilation.
autoconf uses macro definitions stored in files ending in .ac or .m4 to generate the configure script, primarily configure.ac or configure.in. The macros are processed and expanded, resulting in a portable and robust configure script that handles a wide range of system configurations, facilitating cross-platform software development and deployment. Using autoconf helps ensure that software packages can be built and installed on different operating systems with minimal manual intervention.

autoconf requires the installation of M4 macro processor. Careful planning and understanding of M4 macros is crucial for effective use.

The input file, typically named configure.ac or configure.in, contains M4 macro calls that define the configuration process. autoconf processes this file to generate the configure script.

autoconf relies on M4 macros to perform various configuration tasks. These macros check for the presence of libraries, header files, and programs, and define variables that can be used to customize the build process. Understanding M4 syntax is key to effectively using autoconf.

autoconf was developed as part of the GNU project to provide a portable and automated way to configure software for different Unix-like systems. It evolved to address the challenges of software distribution and installation across diverse platforms. Early versions focused on basic configuration tasks, while later versions incorporated more sophisticated features for dependency checking and system-specific adaptations. Its usage is widespread in open-source projects.

automake(1), m4(1), configure(1)