Read-time processing occurs during the reading of the description file, in a similar manner to the C language's preprocessor stage, and essentially determines which parts of the description file are used. At read-time all of the statements beginning in column 1 are processed. During read-time processing, the graph of all targets and their dependents is built, macros are initially defined, and directives are processed. Run-time processing begins after read-time processing has completed, and is the stage during which NMAKE32 checks file dates/times, and invokes any required commands. At run-time the statements that are not in column 1 are processed.

Every directive may be used during either read-time or run-time, with different effects.


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