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Asked: 2026-06-12T04:01:45+00:00

Although both names will do the job, what is the correct name for makefiles?

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Although both names will do the job, what is the correct name for makefiles?

GNU `make’ homepage uses Makefile, and I guess it is the good way to name it. Any reasons for typing the front M in upper case ?

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  1. Editorial Team

    What Name to Give Your Makefile chapter of GNU Make manual clarifies it:

    By default, when make looks for the makefile, it tries the following names, in order: GNUmakefile, makefile and Makefile. Normally you should call your makefile either makefile or Makefile. (We recommend Makefile because it appears prominently near the beginning of a directory listing, right near other important files such as README.) The first name checked, GNUmakefile, is not recommended for most makefiles. You should use this name if you have a makefile that is specific to GNU make, and will not be understood by other versions of make. Other make programs look for makefile and Makefile, but not GNUmakefile.

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