The Open Source Zone

Agree absolutely with others saying "authors jump from the basics to esoteric problem cases and back frequently", "much essential information is just not there at all" and "an unorganized mess". Within book's almost 400 pages you will find neither bird's eye concept overview nor answers to specific questions. At least I found neither for I didn't have time or will to read cover to cover through all of the irrelevant stuff (that prevails) and as a reference the book is totally useless. This is that nasty sort of books that spend pages and pages on discussing different "schools of thought" (authors' being superior, naturally) and elementary knowledge hardly relevant to the subject, then all of a sudden jumping into some years lasting arguing with their community opponents, leaving the reader to guess about basic technical things. The overall style when writing about tecnalities is quite careless. A huge disappointment.

if you had three books on the GNU build system and were ready to delve into the arcane details, this would be an excellent book. <p>if you are looking to learn how to use automake and autoconf to manage a small to midsized project, this book is worthless. the authors jump from the basics to esoteric problem cases and back frequently, and there is no help for those who do not already know the system well.

First off, the book is very non-linear and very disorganized. The subject material is extremely difficult and non-linear, so this was probably a very difficult book to write, and I sympathize with the authors. I couldn't have done a better job.<p>However, as of Nov 2003, the versions of autoconf, automake and libtool that the book uses are very out of date and very deprecated. It's not a matter of "some things have changed", it's a matter of "they're completely different".<p>The main ideas and concepts remain the same, but as for the details... you will NOT be able to use autoconf / automake / libtool after reading the book. You'll be floundering in "did I do something wrong or is this just because I'm using a newer version?".<p>Do not buy this book until the authors update it. You will NOT learn the subject material and will be very sorry you spent the money.

As a guide to Gnu autoconf, automake and libtool, this book is quite useless. It is utterly and totally disorganized, and much essential information is just not there at all. There is amazingly little in the way of examples. So don't bother with it if you want to learn about any of those subjects. The book is not entirely without merit, however. Its redeeming features are scattered sensible comments about software portability and software architecture.

The authors are obviously very knowledgable and experienced about software. I encourage them to "throw this one away" and try a rewrite from scratch. Short of that, they could provide a road map through their book; first read this chapter, then skip to the second half of that one, etc.

The sad news is that there may not be any good guide to autoconf etc anywhere yet. Like the DNA in your body, all autoconf files are very likely descended by an evolutionary process from a few original viable specimens.

... this is your lifeline. <p>I sit here, staring at a messy Makefile.am and let me tell you, the future is looking pretty bleak. Imagine the rainiest day, the most miserably cold weather, the most awful meal you've had to eat and say tasted great: for some, the pain of dealing with cross platform Makefiles is exponentially worse. <p>I thank all the authors of this book every time I try to do something impossible within the constraints of GNU make syntax. <p>This book clearly explains Makefile syntax. Then, it explains how to automate it all with GNU autotools. Then, it provides a bunch more information. I think this book is clear and well-informed, and I find myself turning to it instead of the on-line manuals. (Note, this book is available on line as well, for free. Buy it anyway.) Some of the details may be lost on people not doing serious, cross platform Unix development, but the read is still highly recommended.<p>For those still think mulletts are cool, writing Z80 asm is "fun," that women and cooties are inseperable, and that real programmers write their own damn Makefiles, I offer my sincerest sympathies. The first step is admitting you have a problem. The second step is getting this book. <p>Godspeed.