Autotools is a widely adopted build automation tool in the Linux environment that aids developers in packaging and distributing applications across various systems by enhancing portability and ease of installation. Comprising components such as autoconf, automake, and aclocal, Autotools streamlines the creation of complex configuration scripts and makefiles from simpler templates, allowing for efficient code compilation and distribution. Autoconf utilizes m4 macros to gather system information and generate configuration scripts, while automake facilitates the creation of Makefile templates with built-in variables and primaries, supporting both binaries and scripts. Aclocal plays a crucial role in generating the necessary macros for autoconf. By understanding and utilizing these components, developers can effectively automate the setup and distribution of C programs, making them accessible to a wider audience. The process involves writing configure.ac and Makefile.am files, running a series of commands including aclocal, autoconf, and automake, and finally distributing the application via a generated tarball.