Automating C Code Execution with scanf Input Using Makefile

Описание: Learn how to streamline your C program execution using Makefile. Discover a solution to automate `scanf` inputs for multiple CSV files effortlessly!
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/65944801/ asked by the user 'user1172131' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/15101693/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/65945524/ provided by the user 'Barmar' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/1491895/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Automating C Code Execution with scanf Input Using Makefile

Are you starting on a project where you need to run a C program repeatedly and input data manually each time? If this resonates with you, you're not alone! Many developers find themselves in similar scenarios that can become tedious. In this guide, we'll look at how to automate the execution of a C code, which uses the scanf function for input, by effectively using a Makefile.

Understanding the Problem

You have a C file named BootstrapCL.c which takes inputs using scanf. Typically, every time you execute this program, you need to provide specific file names as inputs. This can quickly become cumbersome, especially if you have multiple CSV files in your folder that need to be processed.

The challenge arises when executing the program from a Makefile because the program waits for manual input at runtime. You need to find a way to automate this input process to streamline your execution.

Your Initial Makefile

Before diving into the solution, let’s take a look at the original Makefile you provided:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Issues with the Current Approach

When you run ./BootstrapCL, it requests inputs directly, causing the Makefile to halt until manual input is provided.

This interrupts the automation and you can’t proceed to the next files in your folder.

The Solution: Piping Inputs to Your Program

To overcome this challenge, you can modify the Makefile to pipe the necessary inputs directly to your program. By doing this, you can automate the input process and allow the Makefile to run smoothly.

Updated Makefile

Here’s the revised portion of the Makefile that achieves this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation of the Changes

Piping Input: The expression (echo $@ .csv ; echo $@ ) | ./BootstrapCL constructs the input for your program.

echo $@ .csv outputs the name of the CSV file.

echo $@ gives the file name without extension.

The pipe | connects the output of the command in parentheses directly to ./BootstrapCL, essentially feeding it the necessary inputs automatically.

Benefits of This Approach

Automation: You no longer have to manually enter input each time your program runs.

Efficiency: Quickly process multiple files without interruptions.

Simplicity: This method keeps your Makefile clean and easy to understand.

Conclusion

By including a simple but effective piping mechanism in your Makefile, you can automate the input process for your C program. This not only saves time but makes your workflow much more efficient. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned developer, implementing these changes will surely enhance your productivity.

Now you're ready to tackle your C project with confidence, ensuring that each execution runs smoothly without manual intervention! If you have any further questions or need assistance with C programming or Makefiles, feel free to reach out.