What Is a Makefile?
a Makefile explained, including what it does and how it matters in CI/CD.
A Makefile defines tasks (targets), their dependencies, and the commands to build them, run by make.
What it is
Originally for compiling C, it is widely used as a simple task runner: make test, make build, make lint. Targets only rebuild when their inputs change.
Why it matters in CI/CD
Many teams use a Makefile as the single entry point so CI and developers run identical commands (make ci), keeping local and pipeline behavior aligned.
Key takeaways
- A Makefile defines build tasks.
- It doubles as a task runner.
- Gives CI and devs one entry point.