Windows Visual Studio build tools make equivalent in Linux
Executes build rules from a Makefile.
Visual Studio build tools make
make
make
make
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "Visual Studio build tools make" is used to run Makefile build. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "make". Executes build rules from a Makefile. This reference is grouped under Developer Tools → Build Tools.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows Visual Studio build tools make maps to make for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux development workflow.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Run Makefile build
Executes build rules from a Makefile.
make
Run Makefile build
make --help
Show command help when supported
man make
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
make
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: Visual Studio build tools make
makeReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
make | Run Makefile build |
make --help | Show command help when supported |
man make | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The command "make" is the same in all three rows, while package or base details differ: Debian/Ubuntu uses install with apt when missing; Fedora uses install with dnf when missing; Arch uses install with pacman when missing.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | install with apt when missing | make |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | install with dnf when missing | make |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | install with pacman when missing | make |
Same command on this distribution. |
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