make -n doesn't work about vlfeat HOT 1 CLOSED

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It seems that the reason for this behaviour is not caused by the quiet() macro, but rather by the automatic dependencies that are included in the Makefile. For the makefile to be processed (with the "-n" option) the dependencies must still be read and hence generated.

To confirm that, running make -n only generates the automatic dependencies.

From GNU make manual: http://www.gnu.org/software/make/manual/html_node/Instead-of-Execution.html#Instead-of-Execution :

‘-n’ Causes make to print the recipes that are needed to make the targets up to date, but not actually execute them. Note that some recipes are still executed, even with this flag (see How the MAKE Variable Works). Also any recipes needed to update included makefiles are still executed (see How Makefiles Are Remade).

from vlfeat.