title: Is it possible to use patterns in Makefile to map middle of filename from source to target?
body: <p>I have a set of files that all look like:</p>
  
  <p><code>meta_UNIQID_set.xml.gz</code> and would like to use a <code>Makefile</code> to make targets that look like <code>UNIQID.json.gz</code>. The rationale is to fit into an existing multistep pipeline (where the names are specified in this form).</p>
  
  <p>I have looked for pattern substitutions in gnu make that allow for this kind of transformation, but I haven't found something that looks like it will do what I want. I can do this transformation with other tools and even write specific rules since there are just a few files. I am simply curious if there is a direct approach that uses existing gnu make functionality. </p>