GNU Make
GNU 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 reads instructions from a 'Makefile' that specifies how to derive target files from source files, using dependency tracking and timestamp comparisons to optimize builds. Originally developed for C/C++ projects, it is now widely used across various programming languages and platforms to manage compilation, testing, deployment, and other repetitive tasks.
Developers should learn GNU Make when working on projects that require complex build processes, such as multi-file C/C++ applications, embedded systems, or cross-platform software, as it efficiently handles dependencies and reduces manual recompilation. It is also valuable for automating repetitive tasks like running tests, generating documentation, or deploying code, making it essential in DevOps and continuous integration pipelines where consistent and reliable builds are critical.