Makefile Task Runner

A lightweight, fast VS Code extension that instantly discovers and runs Makefile targets with a searchable Quick Pick interface. Perfect for teams using Makefiles to automate builds, tests, deployments, and dev workflows.

Features

• Lightning-fast discovery: In-memory caching of parsed Makefile targets.
• Smart search: Quickly find targets by name using Quick Pick.
• Multi-workspace support: Works seamlessly with multi-root workspaces.
• Live watching: Automatically refreshes when Makefiles change.
• Create Makefiles: Generate a default Makefile if none exists.
• Highly configurable: Customize paths, templates, and debug settings.

Commands

How It Works

1. Discovery: Scans your workspace for Makefiles in common locations.
2. Parsing: Extracts runnable targets from Makefiles.
3. Caching: Stores targets in memory for instant lookup.
4. Watching: Automatically refreshes when Makefiles change.
5. Execution: Runs selected targets in VS Code's integrated terminal.

Usage

Run a Target

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+M (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Alt+M (Mac).
2. Search for a target using Quick Pick.
3. Select the target to run it in the terminal.

Refresh Targets

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+M (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Alt+Shift+M (Mac).
2. The target list will refresh automatically.

Create a Default Makefile

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+N (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Alt+N (Mac).
2. A default Makefile will be created in your workspace.

Configuration

Customize the extension using the following settings:

• makefileRunner.discoveryPaths: Additional paths to search for Makefiles.
• makefileRunner.groupBy: Group targets by folder or workspace.
• makefileRunner.showPrivateTargets: Include private targets in the list.
• makefileRunner.terminalReuse: Reuse the same terminal for running targets.

License

This extension is licensed under the MIT License.