I would go with CMake as Matt-D suggested.
Alternatively, SCons is also really simple to use and will output the final executable with just one command.
In my opinion you should try to stay away from pure make, it will probably only give you headaches.
In my opinion you should try to stay away from pure make, it will probably only give you headaches.
I would say knowing how to use Makefiles is a very valuable skill. I don't think you have to have extensive knowledge of Make, but it's certainly something everyone should have at least some experience with and be able to use at least on a basic level. If you develop in C or C++, you will, at some point, have to deal with Make and Makefiles, even if you hate them bitterly. I personally think he should at least use Makefiles for a little bit, maybe for a project or two, and then move onto something else, if he wishes.
