Find the right tool for your project's specific needs and constraints
Start with npm scripts for simple JavaScript/TypeScript projects. It's already integrated into your ecosystem with zero setup required.
Mage is perfect for Go projects requiring complex, testable build logic with the full power of the Go language.
doit excels at complex data workflows with dynamic dependency graphs and advanced caching capabilities.
just is ideal for providing a consistent, ergonomic command interface across diverse teams and technologies.
For C/C++ projects or highly constrained environments, make's ubiquity outweighs its ergonomic limitations.
Basic build and test steps, small team
Already integrated, zero setup. Migrate when complexity grows.
Diverse team, consistent interface needed
Language-agnostic, excellent discoverability, easy onboarding.
Code generation, asset compilation, caching needed
Checksum-based caching, dependency management, parallel execution.
Complex automation, API interactions, custom logic
Type-safe, testable, full Go ecosystem access.
ML pipelines, data processing, reproducible workflows
Dynamic DAGs, advanced caching, Python ecosystem integration.
Constrained environment, no new tools allowed
Ubiquitous, established standard, powerful for intended use case.