Make
Make is a build automation tool that uses a Makefile to define and manage dependencies between files, typically for compiling source code into executables or other outputs. It reads instructions from a Makefile to execute commands (like compilation, linking, or testing) only when source files have changed, optimizing build times. Originally developed for Unix systems, it is widely used in C/C++ projects but supports various programming languages and tasks.
Developers should learn Make when working on projects that require efficient, incremental builds, such as large C/C++ applications, embedded systems, or cross-platform software, to automate repetitive compilation steps and ensure consistency. It is particularly useful in environments where build dependencies are complex, as it helps manage them declaratively, reducing manual errors and speeding up development cycles. Knowledge of Make is also valuable for contributing to open-source projects or legacy systems that rely on it.