To use NMAKE, create a description file (or makefile). A description file, in its simplest form, lists which files depend on others and which commands need to be executed if a file changes. You can create an NMAKE description file with any text editor that produces ASCII files.

A description file looks like this:

    targets... : dependents...³
         command              ³ÄÄÄÄ description block
            :                 ³
    targets... : dependents...
         command
            :

A dependent relationship among files is defined in a description block. A description block indicates the relationship among various parts of the program. It contains commands to bring all components up-to-date. The description file can contain any number of description blocks.

Use NMAKE description files for creating backup files, configuring data files, and running programs when data files are modified.