make error says separator not found

Question

This is the code snippet where, on the first like, make says separator not found

.if !empty(_MAKEOBJDIRPREFIX)

.error MAKEOBJDIRPREFIX can only be set in environment, not as a global\

        (in make.conf(5)) or command-line variable.

.endif

All lines are left aligned. If I place a tab \t before the .if, which is a suggested correction for such errors, I get the following message

commands commence before first target. Stop.

What might be the bug? Should I change anything else in the make file? Thank You!

What is your make version? Does it have if? Most of what I'm aware of only have ifeq, ifneq and ifdef. — keltar

MadScientist MadScientist · Accepted Answer · 2014-07-14T11:13:06

The syntax above looks like it is for BSD make. The error message suggests you're using GNU make; this syntax will not work with GNU make and you cannot use that makefile with GNU make.

make error says separator not found

1 Answers