Makefile

Definitions

1. A file containing rules, targets, dependencies, and shell commands read by the `make` utility to build a project. Each rule declares a target, its prerequisite files, and the recipe (tab-indented shell commands) to produce it. Widely used even outside C/C++ as a simple task runner.

   In plain English: A recipe file that tells the build tool what to build, what depends on what, and which commands to run.

   Example: "The Makefile has a `docker-build` target so the whole team builds the image the same way."

Related Terms

• CI/CD
• Cron Job
• Make
• Spec File
• Symbolic Link
• Unix Philosophy
• Root Access Security
• Build Agent
• Build Process
• Build Script
• Build Step
• Build Template