The “Make” Build System
In this chapter, we will learn how to automate our entire build process using build systems, specifically focusing on the make build system – an indispensable tool for automating the compilation and linking processes in software development. We start by defining what a build system is and then exploring its fundamental purpose, which primarily involves automatically transforming source code into deployable software, such as executables or libraries.
Throughout the chapter, we will systematically uncover the components of the make build system, starting with the essential elements of a Makefile, including targets, prerequisites, and recipes. In the latter part of the chapter, I will provide a step-by-step guide on writing a Makefile, highlighting the syntax and structure necessary to execute builds effectively.
In this chapter, we’re going to cover the following main topics:
- An introduction to build systems
- The Make...
