Autotools: A Practioner’s Guide to GNU Autoconf, Automake, and Libtool


The GNU Autotools make it easy for developers to create software that is portable across many UNIX-like operating systems. Thousands of open source software packages use the Autotools, but the learning curve is unfortunately steep, and it can be difficult for a beginner to find anything more than basic reference material on using the powerful software suite.

In Autotools, author John Calcote begins with an overview of high-level concepts; then tackles more advanced topics, like using the M4 macro processor with Autoconf, extending the Automake framework, and building Java and C# sources.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Master the Autotools build system to maximize your software’s portability
  • Generate Autoconf configuration scripts to simplify the compilation process
  • Produce portable makefiles with Automake
  • Build cross-platform software libraries with Libtool
  • Write your own Autoconf macros

Autotools also includes a variety of complete projects that you’re encouraged to work through to gain a real-world sense of how to become an Autotools practitioner. For example, you’ll turn the FLAIM and Jupiter projects’ hand-coded, makefile-based build systems into a powerful Autotools-based build system.

Book Details

  • Paperback: 360 pages
  • Publisher: No Starch Press (July, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1593272065
  • ISBN-13: 978-1593272067
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