Build automation

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Build automation is the act of scripting or automating the process of compiling computer source code into binary code. This automated build is in contrast to a manual build process where a person has to perform multiple, often tedious and error prone tasks. It involves automating a wide variety of tasks that a software developer will do in their day-to-day activities including things like packaging binary code, running tests and deployment to production systems. The goal of this automation is to create a one-step process for turning source code into a working system. This is done to save time and to reduce errors.

1 Types of automation
2 Makefile
3 Best practices
4 Build automation software
5 References
6 See also

[edit] Types of automation

Commanded automation such as a user running a script on the command line
Scheduled automation such as a continuous integration server running a nightly build
Triggered automation such as a continuous integration server running a build on every commit to a version control system.

[edit] Makefile

One specific form of build automation is the automatic generation of Makefiles. This is accomplished by tools like

[edit] Best practices

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Keep the build file at the root of the project
Use consistent style and conventions
Don't Repeat Yourself (DRY)
Provide good help
Manage dependencies properly
Use per-user properties to allow people to override defaults such as database logins or directory locations
Keep the build self-contained
Keep it all in source control

[edit] Build automation software

Main article: List of build automation software

[edit] References

Mike Clark: Pragmatic Project Automation, The Pragmatic Programmers ISBN:0-9745140-3-9
The Buildmeister [1] - portal dedicated to build and release management