makefile

hello sir,
please guide me, i am confused in between 'makefile' and 'startup' file.. , as i started work on ARM controller LPC2478......

what are 'makefile ' and 'startup' files, for program the ARM controller should i require to configure or make them?
if yes, then what are the main aspects while configuring them? and what is the necessity of these files?

Please reply soon
Thanks in advance

A Makefile is used to compile a program.

Typically it is a list of all the commands needed to create an executable program from
all the individual files
eg

compile xxx.c
compile aaa.c
compile ddd.c
link xxx aaa ddd.

A real Makefile is much more complicated that that.

Luckily Windows based software such as Kiel either doesn't use a makefile or creates it for you.
You just press the "Build" button.

'startup' files are probably files used when your compiler starts.
What software are you using ?

@ExperimentarUK
Thank you sir for replying

I am using KEIL-u4-MDK compier for ARM LPC2478 controller.

Keil compiler does not use Makefiles. When you create a new project, you will be asked to copy a startup file which deals with basic initialization of ARM CPU, Like vector address configuration etc. Just create a new project and open the startup file (lpc24xx.s i guess). Try to go through the code.

@ajay
Thank you sir,
one more thing i want to ask you that how can i add LPC2478 ARM controller in to the PROTEUS library, so that i can simulate and check my codes over it thru proteus.
Thank you.....