Makefile
Makefile is a configuration file used by the 'make' build automation tool to define rules and dependencies for compiling and building software projects. It specifies how to derive target files from source files through a series of commands, enabling automated and incremental builds. This tool is widely used in C/C++ development but supports various programming languages and tasks.
Developers should learn Makefile when working on projects that require complex build processes, such as compiling multiple source files, linking libraries, or managing dependencies in languages like C, C++, or Fortran. It is essential for automating repetitive tasks, ensuring consistent builds across environments, and improving development efficiency by only rebuilding changed components. Use cases include embedded systems, open-source software, and cross-platform development where manual compilation is impractical.