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Q43064: Using the Backslash ("\") Character in NMAKE

Article: Q43064
Product(s): Microsoft Programming Utilities
Version(s): MS-DOS:1.01,1.11,1.12,1.13,1.2,1.3,1.4; NT:1.4,1.5; OS/2:1.01,1.11,1.21
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 30-OCT-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft NMAKE Utility for MS-DOS, versions 1.01, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 
- Microsoft NMAKE Utility for OS/2, versions 1.01, 1.11, 1.21 
- Microsoft NMAKE Utility for Windows NT, versions 1.4, 1.5 
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SUMMARY
=======

In NMAKE, the backslash "\" 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 "^" 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 ("\\") 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

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbAudDeveloper kbNMAKESearch kbNMAKE101DOS kbNMAKE111DOS kbNMAKE112DOS kbNMAKE113DOS kbNMAKE120DOS kbNMAKE130DOS kbNMAKE140DOS kbNMAKE101OS2 kbNMAKE111OS2 kbNMAKE121OS2 kbNMAKE140NT kbNMAKE150NT
Version           : MS-DOS:1.01,1.11,1.12,1.13,1.2,1.3,1.4; NT:1.4,1.5; OS/2:1.01,1.11,1.21

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