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Just: A Command Runner (github.com)

482 points by tnorthcutt · 1335 days ago · 199 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses Just, a command runner. Just is an alternative to Make, a traditional build automation tool. The article highlights Just's features, such as the ability to list recipes from the command line. Just is designed to be a more modern and user-friendly replacement for Make.

Main themes

  • build automation
  • portability
  • Make vs Just
  • alternative tools
  • shell scripting
  • task runners
  • development workflows

What commenters say

  • Make is not as portable as claimed, with different versions and syntax across platforms.
  • Just may not be more portable than Make, and its advantages are debatable.
  • Make is still a viable tool, especially when used for its intended purpose of selectively building artifacts.
  • Alternative tools like Pants, Ninja, and Bazel offer more portable and efficient build automation solutions.
  • Using a shell script as a task runner can be a more portable and straightforward solution than Make or Just.
  • Make's syntax is arcane and designed for outdated use cases, making it less suitable for modern development needs.
  • The choice between Make and Just ultimately depends on the specific use case and personal preference.
  • Portability is a crucial consideration when choosing a build automation tool, and Just may not offer significant advantages over Make in this regard.