chaselambda/makefiletutorial
Makefiletutorial
This is an interactive single-page tutorial that teaches GNU Makefile syntax, rules, variables, and targets through hands-on examples. It serves as both a learning tool for build automation and a reference guide covering Makefile fundamentals, including pattern matching, built-in functions, and variable-driven build configuration.
The tutorial walks through core Makefile concepts such as defining targets and prerequisites, using variables to parameterize commands, applying pattern rules for efficient file matching, and managing dependencies for incremental builds. It covers practical build automation techniques like setting default build targets, handling build errors, silencing command output, and including external makefiles.
The resource also explains more advanced capabilities including target-specific variable scoping, recursive sub-build invocation, wildcard file matching, and text manipulation with built-in functions. It demonstrates how to compile code using implicit rules, define custom pattern rules, and export variables to sub-processes.
The tutorial is presented as a single interactive page that lets users experiment with Makefile examples directly in the browser.