Overview
Learn how to use Makefiles for complex build automation, Use conditionals based on the users' OS, Use dependencies and targets efficiently, Use built-in functions and variables for automation
Developers getting tired of writing endless compile and build commands in the terminal, Developers seeking a way to automate builds in a declarative manner
Some experience in the Linux shell is useful, No Make experience necessary
Stop typing long compile, test, lint, and deploy commands over and over. Let GNU Make do the thinking for you.
In this fast crash course, you’ll learn how to use GNU Make and Makefiles as a lightweight, powerful task runner and build automation tool. Great for developers, Linux users, and sysadmins.
Whether you're tired of repeating gcc flags, manually running linters, rebuilding Docker images, or scripting repetitive workflows in Bash, Make gives you dependency tracking, conditional execution, and one-command simplicity without learning a heavy new build system.
You’ll build a clean, professional Makefile from scratch starting with a simple "hello world" Makefile, then scaling to:
Multi-file projects with automatic compilation
Variables, overrides, and automatic variables ($@, $<, $^)
Pattern rules & wildcards for dozens of files
Phony targets (.PHONY) for reliable clean/test/lint
Conditionals for debug/release modes and cross-OS compatibility
Debugging tips, best practices, and common pitfalls
Real integrations: Git hooks, Docker builds, test/lint runners
Everything is demonstrated live in the terminal
By the end you’ll have:
The confidence to automate builds
Time saved every single day in the terminal
No prior Make experience required, just basic terminal comfort.
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I’m Martijn, terminal enthusiast and creator of several Udemy courses on Linux productivity tools.
I live in the terminal every day. Building, scripting, deploying, and automating workflow on Linux. My teaching style is hands-on and demo-driven: you watch real workflows, follow along, and leave each lecture with something you can use immediately.
I keep courses short, focused, and fluff-free. Because your time is valuable and terminal mastery should be fast.
If you want practical skills that make you faster in the shell every day, you’re in the right place.
Let’s automate the boring stuff with Make!
Martijn Vissers
I am a passionate software developer and educator with expertise in web development and tools like Neovim. I daily drive Linux for web development, and I love sharing practical tips and insights to help you boost your productivity and improve your coding environment.
I have been programming for over a decade, working on projects ranging from personal to enterprise back-office systems.
My style of teaching mainly focuses on short, to-the-point courses that leave out most of the fluff other lecturers add for course length. This way you'll be using that new skill in hours instead of days or weeks.
Let’s learn together!