File: autoconf.info,  Node: Bootstrapping,  Next: Why Not Imake,  Prev: Why GNU M4,  Up: FAQ

20.3 How Can I Bootstrap?
=========================

     If Autoconf requires GNU M4 and GNU M4 has an Autoconf
     ‘configure’ script, how do I bootstrap?  It seems like a chicken
     and egg problem!

   This is a misunderstanding.  Although GNU M4 does come with a
‘configure’ script produced by Autoconf, Autoconf is not required in
order to run the script and install GNU M4.  Autoconf is only required
if you want to change the M4 ‘configure’ script, which few people have
to do (mainly its maintainer).