GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

Which command generates a makefile tailored to the installed system?

1. source makefile.am

2. source configure.in

3. ./install-sh

4. ./configure

The correct answer is: ./configure

The command that generates a makefile tailored to the installed system is the one associated with the configuration of project settings and dependencies before compilation. Running the `./configure` command examines the current environment and checks for necessary libraries, headers, and tools required by the software being installed. It customizes the makefile for the specific characteristics of the operating system and hardware being used, ensuring that the subsequent make command can compile the software correctly. This process often involves creating a file known as `Makefile`, which contains rules and instructions for building and installing the software. It also allows users to specify certain options that modify the way the software is built, such as enabling or disabling features. The other choices, such as `source makefile.am` and `source configure.in`, are not commands that directly generate a makefile for the system. Instead, `makefile.am` is generally a template used in automake to create the actual makefile, and `configure.in` serves a similar purpose within the autoconf framework. The script `./install-sh` is typically part of the installation process rather than the configuration step, dealing with the installation of files after the build process has been completed. Thus, the use of `./configure` is essential for