A makefile is a script for appropriate compilation of different type of sources to the appropriate object code.
To use a makefile just type make or gmake in a console window opened in the same dir as the makefile
make file is used for compiling no of files by using single command MAKE.
It will be very useful in big projects, if u changed one file the time sence will be different for that particular file for that we want to compile all the files, by using this we will compile all by using single command.
Makefiles are used to define the procedure to compile and link your program. If you have only one or two files in your project you can compile and link them without using the makefile but as number of files increases it's very difficult to compile and link them one by one. Also you will have to remember the dependencies between these files.
Makefiles are used to automate these tasks so just define your rules once and instead of compiling and linking individual files you just need to execute the makefile.
Checkout this simple tuturial to get started. **broken link removed**