This looks like work for your code generator instead of make. The code generator could do a diff before replacing the file.
Make would have to keep a backup copy of the last time it built with that file, increasing complexity and time for normal builds.
I’d recommend against this.
-- Lawrence
From: address@hidden [mailto:address@hidden On Behalf Of Raman Gopalan
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 1:38 PM
To: address@hidden; bug-make
Subject: Content tracking mode for make
Hello,
I am Raman, a student. I am currently working with code
generation for a microcontroller. I was wondering if it is
possible to support a new mode on make which tracks
dependancy content instead of timestamps.
Somtimes, it is possible that a code generator replaces the
existing files in the code base with the same content. It might
be a good option to enable content checking before make
rebuilds the replaced file (with the same content) again.
I could certainly add this option. Could you please give me
some guidance to proceed? Am I in the right direction?
Awaiting your response,
Regards,
Raman