enablemake

Enablemake is a software project that extends GNU Make by incorporating feature flags into the build process. It enables conditional compilation and configuration without editing source files, by centralizing feature definitions in a manifest and propagating them through the build system.

Originating in the open-source community in the 2010s, Enablemake was designed to address the complexity of configuring large, multiplatform codebases. It aims to reduce configuration drift, improve reproducibility, and simplify cross-system builds by separating feature management from source code changes.

Design and architecture: the core concept is a manifest file (EnableMakefile or enablemake.yaml) that declares features, dependencies, and conditions. An evaluation engine computes the active feature set from environment variables, target specifications, and user overrides. The engine emits variables, compiler flags, and build steps that are consumed by GNU Make or adapted for other backends through adapters.

Features and usage: features are defined with defaults and optional dependencies. Activating a feature may add preprocessor symbols (for example, -DENABLE_X), include paths, or distinct source trees. Example workflow: write a feature manifest, run the enablemake command to pin a feature set, then invoke make to build with those settings.

Workflow and ecosystem: Enablemake provides wrappers or top-level commands to initialize projects, enable or disable features, and regenerate configuration files. It offers adapters for Make, CMake, and other builders, and supports caching of computed feature sets for faster successive builds.

Limitations and reception: adding a layer of indirection can complicate debugging and increase initial setup time. The project emphasizes clear documentation and predictable feature resolution rules to mitigate confusion. Community adoption varies by language ecosystem.

See also: feature flag, build system, GNU Make, configuration management, CMake.