MAKEFILE File Extension

What is MAKEFILE file?

MAKEFILE is a file extension commonly associated with Makefile files. Files with MAKEFILE extension may be used by programs distributed for Linux, Mac OS, Windows platform. Files with MAKEFILE extension are categorized as Developer Files files. The Developer Files subset comprises 1205 various file formats. Users are advised to use GNU Make software for managing MAKEFILE files, although 4 other programs can also handle this type of file. Software named GNU Make was created by Free Software Foundation, Inc.. In order to find more detailed information on the software and MAKEFILE files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support MAKEFILE file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open MAKEFILE files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with MAKEFILE suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with MAKEFILE extension?

Being unable to open files with MAKEFILE extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with MAKEFILE extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the GNU Make

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening MAKEFILE files is that no program that can handle MAKEFILE files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing GNU Make or different compatible program, such as Sublime Text, Microsoft Visual Studio. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading GNU Make installed is by going to developer’s website (Free Software Foundation, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of GNU Make

You still cannot access MAKEFILE files although GNU Make is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that GNU Make cannot handle files with MAKEFILE may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using GNU Make.

Step 3. Set the default application to open MAKEFILE files to GNU Make

After installing GNU Make (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open MAKEFILE files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the MAKEFILE file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where GNU Make is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open MAKEFILE files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with MAKEFILE extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select GNU Make and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with MAKEFILE extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the MAKEFILE file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the MAKEFILE file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the MAKEFILE file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the MAKEFILE is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the MAKEFILE file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the MAKEFILE file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with MAKEFILE extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic MAKEFILE file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with MAKEFILE extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Makefile file.

4. Check whether your system can handle GNU Make

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with MAKEFILE extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Makefile files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with MAKEFILE files affecting older versions of given software.

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