Collection makefile generators generate comprehensive makefiles for processing collections of computer files. In operation, the present collection makefile generator dynamically discovers collection content files, classifies them according to content type and required processing actions, and then generates a makefile for performing those actions. Importantly, all build order dependencies are properly maintained among multiple collection products and among individual collection content files. Automated collection makefile generators drastically improve the productivity of human workers by effectively reducing makefile creation and maintenance costs to zero. Collection makefile generators thus enable humans to easily generate complex makefiles in an automated, scalable way that was not previously possible.