GNU Automake

Free plan

What GNU Automake is

GNU Automake is a free build tool for GNU package maintainers who want to reduce Makefile maintenance. It converts Makefile.am templates into Makefile.in files that conform to the GNU Coding Standards, and supports building programs, libraries, and shared libraries. Projects must use GNU Autoconf as well, and Automake imposes project constraints, including restrictions on configure.ac contents. Perl is needed to generate Makefile.in files, though distributions made with Automake do not need Perl to build. Testing support includes DejaGnu and script-based suites, concurrent runs, TAP, and custom test drivers and runners. Automake can create gzipped tar files and other archive formats for distribution. It works with Autoconf, and its documentation covers GNU Libtool for shared libraries. Stable releases are available from the GNU download server and mirrors; development sources are available through Git on Savannah. Public mailing lists handle discussion, patches, and bug reports. The project page names Jim Meyering as maintainer and notes that volunteers are needed.

Who it suits

Automake is intended for GNU package maintainers who want generated Makefile.in files and distribution archives. It suits projects already using GNU Autoconf and able to follow Automake’s project constraints.

What it does well

Free, with no paid plans or usage limits stated.
Generates GNU Coding Standards-compliant Makefile.in files.
Supports programs, libraries, and shared libraries.
Can package gzipped tar files and other archive formats.

What to know first

Projects must use GNU Autoconf.
Perl is required to generate Makefile.in files.
Automake imposes constraints on project structure and configure.ac.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
GNU Automake	No paid plans or usage limits stated	Free

As gnu.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

Automake can reduce Makefile upkeep and provides support for tests and distribution packaging. Its Autoconf requirement and project constraints are important considerations before adopting it.

Facts from GNU Automake's own pages

Autoconf requirement: Automake requires projects to use GNU Autoconf. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Distribution archives: Automake can generate gzipped tar files and other archive formats for distribution. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Download channels: Stable releases are available from the GNU download server and mirrors, while development sources are available through Git on Savannah. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Integrations: Automake works with Autoconf and documents building shared libraries using GNU Libtool. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Intended users: Automake is intended to reduce Makefile maintenance for GNU package maintainers. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Maintenance: The project page identifies Jim Meyering as Automake's maintainer and says new volunteers are needed. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Notable constraint: Automake imposes project constraints, including assumptions about Autoconf use and restrictions on configure.ac contents. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Perl requirement: Automake requires Perl to generate Makefile.in files, but the resulting distributions do not require Perl to build. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Programs and libraries: Automake provides functionality for building programs, libraries, and shared libraries. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Purpose: GNU Automake generates GNU Coding Standards compliant Makefile.in files from Makefile.am templates. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Security notice: The GNU Automake page says versions 1.12.2 and 1.11.6 fix CVE-2012-3386 in make distcheck rules. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Support: Automake provides public mailing lists for discussion, patches, and bug reports. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Testing: Automake supports DejaGnu and generic script based test suites, including concurrent execution, TAP, and custom test drivers and runners. · gnu.org, 11 Oct 2026

Where GNU Automake stands on Freedom251

Build Automation Software#27 of 42