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## Chapter 1. Getting Started

Aap is a program that builds (compiles and links) other programs, much like the venerable make(1) program. However, Aap uses the power of Python to make the "recipes" (instructions on how to build a program) more readable and more flexible. Aap can also replace the age-old autotools and make toolchain.

Aap does not trade power for complexity. For many programs, you need only list the name of the program, the sources and libraries it needs, and Aap does the rest. A powerful module system makes adding new programming languages to Aap's repertoire fairly straightforward.

Aap supports C, C++, D, Qt's moc, KDE's dcopidl, and libtool.

## Installation

To start using Aap you must have two applications:

- Python version 1.5 or later

- Aap

Python is often installed already. Try this:

`python -V`

If you get a "Command not found" error you still need to install Python. Help for this can be found on the Python web site: www.python.org/download/.

For obtaining and installing Aap look here: www.a-a-p.org/download.html.

A summary for the impatient:

- Create a directory called "aap/Exec".

- Download the latest Aap zip archive and unpack it in the new directory.

- Run "./aap install" or "aap install".

To check if your Aap program is working, type this command:

`aap --help`

You should get a list of the command line arguments. Note that there are two dashes before "help". You can read details about the command line arguments in Chapter 32, Aap Command Line Arguments.

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Part I. Tutorial | Contents | Chapter 2. Compiling a Program