Comparing Makefiles and Just: Which One Should You Choose?

Comparing Makefile and Just: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to automating repetitive tasks in your projects, tools like Makefile and Just often come into play. While Makefile have been a standard for decades, Just offers a modern alternative with a more user-friendly approach.

Let’s break down the key differences between the two to help you decide which tool fits your needs best.

1. Syntax: Simplicity vs. Complexity

Makefile

Syntax is strict and requires specific rules, such as using tabs for indentation (not spaces).
Targets and commands often feel cryptic to newcomers.

Example Makefile Task:

build:

    @echo "Building the project..."

    gcc -o app main.

Note: Forgetting to use a tab can break your Makefile and lead to confusing errors.

Just

Uses a modern and straightforward syntax.
Indentation can be done with spaces, making it easier to read and write.

Example Just Task:

build:

    echo "Building the project..."

    gcc -o app main.c

2. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Makefile

Native to Unix-like systems (Linux/macOS).
Requires additional tools (e.g., GNU Make) to run on Windows, which can complicate setup.

Just

Cross-platform out of the box.
Works seamlessly on Linux, macOS, and Windows without extra dependencies.

3. Variables: Ease of Use

Makefile

Variables are defined with = and referenced using $(...).
Limited flexibility for handling default values or complex logic.

Makefile Variable Example:

NAME = app

build: @echo "Building $(NAME)..." gcc -o $(NAME) main.c

Just

Variables are defined with := and referenced using {{...}}.
Supports more advanced use cases, including default values and interpolation.

Just Variable Example:

name := "app"

build: echo "Building {{name}}..." gcc -o {{name}} main.c

4. Task Dependencies

Makefile

Allows you to define dependencies between tasks, ensuring they run in the correct order.

Makefile Dependency Example:

build: clean @echo "Building the project..." gcc -o app main.c

clean: @echo "Cleaning up..." rm -f app

Just

Dependencies are defined by simply listing the dependent tasks.
Just executes them in the correct order automatically.

Just Dependency Example:

build: clean echo "Building the project..." gcc -o app main.c

clean: echo "Cleaning up..." rm -f app

5. Arguments and Defaults

Makefile

Arguments must be passed as environment variables, making the syntax less intuitive.

Makefile Argument Example:

build:

    @echo "Building with mode: $(MODE)"

Run Command:

make build MODE=debug

Just

Supports built-in arguments with default values, making it simpler and more explicit.

Just Argument Example:

build mode="release":

    echo "Building with mode: {{mode}}"

Run Command:

just build mode=debug

6. Readability and Maintainability

Makefile

Difficult to maintain for larger projects due to strict syntax rules and lack of modularity.
Error messages can be cryptic, especially for syntax errors like missing tabs.

Just

Cleaner and easier to maintain, even for complex projects.
Provides helpful error messages with clear indications of what went wrong.

7. Tooling and Installation

Makefile

Comes pre-installed on most Unix-like systems (Linux/macOS).
Requires additional setup for Windows.

Just

Needs to be installed, but the process is straightforward with package managers like cargo, brew, or scoop.

Installation Example:

# Install using Homebrew on macOS brew install just

# Install using Cargo on Linux/macOS cargo install just

Which One Should You Use?

makefile vs justfile

Conclusion

Makefile may still be a good fit if you are using Unix systems. For modern development workflows, Just provides a simpler, more intuitive alternative with better cross-platform support and enhanced features.

Switching to Just is particularly beneficial for teams or projects where ease of use, readability, and maintainability are priorities - Big companies cannot do that easily, but we (startups) can adapt quickly.

Would you like assistance converting your Makefile to a justfile or diving deeper into Just's features? Let us know!

Be aware of Just issues - https://github.com/casey/just/issues