Autotools

Proper Noun · Open Source

Definitions

  1. A family of GNU build tools including Autoconf, Automake, and Libtool used to configure and build portable software across Unix-like systems. In open-source history, Autotools are both respected for portability and joked about for complexity.

    In plain English: A classic GNU toolchain for configuring and building portable open-source software.

    Example: "The old library still relied on Autotools, which made the build highly portable but also slightly intimidating to newcomers raised on simpler package-based workflows."

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