The article explores the functionalities of the new Makefile Tools Extension for Visual Studio Code, which streamlines the build process for projects utilizing Makefiles. The extension allows developers to handle Makefiles more efficiently by integrating commands directly into the IDE, accommodating various configurations, and supporting preconfiguration scripts for complex projects. It illustrates this with a sample C++ project that includes a simple Makefile to compile and execute code, demonstrating how the extension can be used to manage build targets, run tests, and clean compiled files. Furthermore, the article highlights the advantages of Makefiles in managing large codebases, emphasizing their versatility and the ease they bring in handling dependencies and configurations. The piece concludes by suggesting a free eBook for readers interested in delving deeper into Makefile usage and best practices.