The author introduces the concept of the “Makefile effect,” where engineers often copy and tweak existing solutions instead of creating new ones from scratch. This pattern can be seen in various tools like Make, CI/CD configurations, linter and formatter setups, and build systems. While this approach may be practical in the short term, it raises concerns about tool design, debugging support, learning opportunities, and security. The author calls for well-designed tools and systems to minimize this effect by considering factors like configurability, syntax, and reuse of familiar patterns. The Makefile effect highlights the importance of thoughtful tool design in the engineering field.
https://blog.yossarian.net/2025/01/10/Be-aware-of-the-Makefile-effect