Re: GNU Autoconf test version 2.59d available

[Stepan Kasal]

Hello Paul and Ralves,

the change discussed here was triggered by problems with Solaris'
make.

I agree that the Automake manual could mention this bad scenario,
perhaps something like:
``Avoid files with names identical to shell builtins or basic
commands; during a VPATH build, Solaris' @command{make} would then
make unwanted replacements in the commands text, yielding very
puzzling results.  For example, no check script should be named
@command{test}.''

OTOH, the recommendation in doc/install.texi could be perhaps more
grained.  The problem is not that gmake is the only one working, the
problem is that Solaris' make is extremely evil.  (Do I understand
correctly that BSD make is not rewriting the commands?)

The wording could be along this:

``The VPATH build should generally work with all make
implementations.  Getting this right is tremendously tricky, though:
in particular, the misfeatures of Solaris' @command{make} cause
biggest troubles.  On the other hand, the most reliable (and most
tested) is GNU make---try it if the VPATH build is not behaving
well.''

I apologize that I do not submit this in the form of a patch; I'm
sure these paragraphs will have to undergo some editorial work before
install, anyway.

Though I regret the confusion, I'm glad that Ralf pointed out the
problem.

Have a nice day,
        Stepan Kasal