Autoconfs

Autoconfs are the configuration scripts produced by the GNU Autoconf tool as part of the GNU Autotools build system. They are used to prepare software packages for compilation on a wide range of operating systems and environments by detecting features, libraries, header files, and compiler capabilities on the host system. Typically, a project provides a configure.ac or configure.in file containing macro definitions. The Autoconf tool processes this input to generate a portable configure script (the autoconfs) that can be run by the end user to tailor the build. When executed, the configure script checks for programs and libraries, determines compiler flags, and creates configuration headers and Makefiles preset to the detected environment.

Usage in development and distribution: Developers include autoconf-related files and run autoreconf to refresh the generated scripts during development. Distributions ship the configure script so end users can compile the software without access to the development tools. Users run ./configure, sometimes with options, to specify installation prefixes or enable optional features.

Advantages include portability and automated feature detection. Limitations include complexity, slower builds, and issues with cross-compilation, while newer tooling such as Meson or CMake offer alternative approaches.

See also: Autotools, configure script, autoconf, automake, aclocal, autoreconf.