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GNU Make vs mask: catalog facts
GNU Makemask
Free

Free software from the GNU Project.

Free

Free and open source under the MIT licence.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line Windows, Command line
  • Rebuilds only the files affected by a change
  • Works out dependency order automatically
  • Task definitions double as readable project documentation
  • Plain Markdown file instead of Makefile syntax
  • Makefile syntax has quirks, such as required tabs
  • Windows use usually needs an extra package or environment
  • Requires learning the maskfile Markdown conventions
  • No GitHub releases listed; installed through package managers or Cargo
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-3.0 License: MIT
No account needed No account needed
Works offline Works offline

Checked October 1, 2026

Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.