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Fixing “make: *** No rule to make target ‘all’. Stop.” error during Git installation on Ubuntu 20.04

Ubuntu 11

In this article, we will delve into the error “make: *** No rule to make target ‘all’. Stop.” which can occur during the installation of Git on Ubuntu 20.04. We will explore the reasons behind this error and provide a detailed guide on how to resolve it.

Quick Answer

To fix the "make: *** No rule to make target ‘all’. Stop." error during Git installation on Ubuntu 20.04, it is recommended to install Git using the APT package manager instead of building from source. This simplifies the installation process and avoids the need to troubleshoot missing rules in the Makefile.

Understanding the Error

The error “make: *** No rule to make target ‘all’. Stop.” typically occurs when the make command cannot find the necessary rules to build the target specified. This error is common when trying to build software from source, as it indicates that some required rules are missing in the Makefile.

In the context of Git, this error suggests that the make command is unable to find the instructions needed to build Git from its source code.

Recommended Solution: Install Git Using APT

Rather than building Git from source, which can be complex and error-prone, we recommend installing Git using the APT package manager. APT, or Advanced Package Tool, simplifies the process of managing software on Ubuntu and other Debian-based systems.

To install Git using APT, follow these steps:

  1. Update the package lists Open a terminal and run the following command:
    sudo apt update
    The sudo command is used to run the following command with root privileges. apt is the package handling utility, and update is the command that resynchronizes the package index files from their sources.
  2. Install Git Run the following command to install Git:
    sudo apt install git
    The install command is used to install a new package. In this case, the package is git.
  3. Verify the installation To verify that Git has been installed correctly, check the Git version by running:
    git --version
    This command will display the installed version of Git.

If you encounter any errors during this process, the specific error message will provide more information about what went wrong.

Why Use APT Instead of Building from Source?

Building software from source can be more complex and requires additional steps such as configuring dependencies, resolving build errors, and managing updates. For beginners and even experienced users, it is generally recommended to use package managers like APT, as they handle these complexities automatically.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the “make: *** No rule to make target ‘all’. Stop.” error that can occur when trying to install Git on Ubuntu 20.04. We have discussed the reasons behind this error and provided a detailed guide on how to resolve it by installing Git using the APT package manager.

If you want to learn more about different ways to install software on Ubuntu, you can refer to the Ubuntu Software Management page here.

Remember, while building from source can give you the latest version of a software, it can also be more complex and prone to errors. Therefore, using a package manager like APT is generally the recommended method for installing software on Ubuntu.

Can I fix the “make: *** No rule to make target ‘all’. Stop.” error by reinstalling Git?

Reinstalling Git may not fix the "make: *** No rule to make target ‘all’. Stop." error. This error usually occurs when the necessary rules to build the target are missing in the Makefile. It is recommended to follow the steps provided in the article to install Git using APT.

What is the purpose of the `sudo` command?

The sudo command is used to run a command with root privileges. It allows a user with administrative permissions to execute commands that require elevated privileges. In the context of installing software using APT, sudo is used to ensure that the installation process has the necessary permissions to modify system files and install packages.

How can I check the Git version after installing it using APT?

To check the Git version after installing it using APT, open a terminal and run the command git --version. This command will display the installed version of Git on your system.

Are there any advantages to building Git from source instead of using APT?

Building Git from source can give you the latest version of the software and allows for customization. However, it requires additional steps such as configuring dependencies, resolving build errors, and managing updates. For most users, it is generally recommended to use package managers like APT, as they handle these complexities automatically and provide a more streamlined installation process.

Where can I find more information about software management on Ubuntu?

You can find more information about software management on Ubuntu by referring to the Ubuntu Software Management page. You can access it here. This page provides comprehensive information about package management, including installing, updating, and removing software using APT.

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