8.1.4.2 Conditional programs using Automake conditionals

You can also use Automake conditionals (see section Conditionals) to select programs to be built. In this case you don't have to worry about ‘$(EXEEXT)’ or EXTRA_PROGRAMS.

bin_PROGRAMS = cpio pax
if WANT_MT
  bin_PROGRAMS += mt
endif
if WANT_RMT
  libexec_PROGRAMS = rmt
endif