Julia Evans • 6/10/2025

Using `make` to compile C programs (for non-C-programmers)

This article is a practical guide for developers who aren't C programmers but need to compile C/C++ programs from source. It explains the essential steps: installing a C compiler (like GCC or Xcode tools), finding and installing dependencies manually, and using `make` or `./configure` scripts. It uses real-world examples like compiling 'paperjam' and 'sqlite' to illustrate common problems and solutions, especially for users on macOS and Linux.

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#build tools #make #c programming