title: Makefile pattern rule fails?
body: <p>While using GNU-make, my Makefile has some pattern rule as:</p>
  
  <pre><code>%.o:%.c
      gcc $&lt; -o:$@
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>This rule is added by me.</p>
  
  <p>But when I do make it gives an error saying No rule to make target %.o and doesn't build the targets.</p>
  
  <p>At times, there is this other behaviour as well. It does not build the target when I say make first time(It gives error saying No rule to make target), but when i say make again immediately, it does build correctly.</p>
  
  <p>So when i explicity specify each source file separately, then it builds the targets fine first time itself.</p>
  
  <p><strong>EDIT: I am using GNU-make on a Centos (v6.3 i guess, not sure). Could this be some permission/user id /group id issue?</strong></p>
  
  <p>Any pointers to understand what might be happening and solution for this?</p>
  
  <p>thank you,
  -AD.</p>