Make

Make is a build automation tool that automatically determines which pieces of a large program need to be recompiled and issues commands to recompile them. It uses a configuration file called a Makefile to define dependencies and commands for building software projects, commonly used in C/C++ development but applicable to any language.

Also known as: GNU Make, makefile, make utility, build tool, make command

Why learn Make?

Developers should learn Make when working on projects that require complex build processes, such as compiling source code, linking libraries, or managing dependencies across multiple files. It is essential for C/C++ development, embedded systems, and any scenario where incremental builds improve efficiency, as it avoids unnecessary recompilation by tracking file changes.

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Learning Resources

• docs: GNU Make Manual
• tutorial: Makefile Tutorial by TutorialsPoint
• tutorial: Learn Makefiles with the Charming Cat
• video: Make - Introduction on YouTube