Computer Science Department Unix Primer

Using Makefiles

Makefiles are designed to automate the task of compiling programs. Large projects in unix all use various levels of automization, starting with the basic makefile. Makefiles are essentially scripts that define compiler flags, compilation tasks, and ensure that the right libraries are included during compilation. The most basic use of the program make does not even require a makefile. (see the bottom of the compilers section of this tutorial.)

An example makefile is available here

Makefiles don't have to be limited to programming. Other applications include makefiles that manage network information databases, and even an example makefile for compiling TeX.