Build Automation

Build Automation is the key to implementing a successful Agile development methodology.

In its basic form, the "Build" is the conversion of source code into binaries.

However, there is much more to building software than just compiling code.

Builds Include

• Creating a Clean Build Location
• Getting Source Code
• Labeling the Source Code
• Running Pre-Build Tasks
• Compiling the Code
• Linking Libraries
• Automating the Deployment
• Running Automated Tests

• Improved Software Quality
• Reduce Compile and Linking Time
• Eliminate Redundant Tasks
• Minimize Broken Builds
• Reduce Key Personnel Dependencies
• Improved Tracability through Logging

• Provides Insight into your Code
• Provides an Audit of your Development Teams
• Gives "Big Picture" of how everything fits together
• Better Prepares Teams to Implement Agile

Agile Software attempts to minimize risk by developing software in short iterations.

This development methodology is about adaptability. Because of the chaotic nature of software development, it may be impossible to control or to predict.

• Requires Smarter Build Management
• Reduces the Reliance on only a couple of Key persons the Build
• Provides Blueprint of the Build

How Continuous Integration enables organizations to successfully implement Agile Development

• Speed
• Consistency
• Accuracy
• Reduced redundancies
• Self-Documentating Process

How Continuous Integration enables organizations to successfully implement Agile Development

• Implement Build Avoidance
• Manage Build Dependencies
• Leverage Parallel Builds
• Building on Check in
• Automatically Syncing IDE and Build Environments

• Publishing the Build options so everyone understands them
• Reduces the Reliance on only a couple of Key persons the Build
• Provides Blueprint of the Build

• Produce Detailed Reports about Build
• Captures all the Labeling, Compiling and Post-Build Logs
• Reduce the Guess Work from the Build

Build Automation

CruiseControl

Maven

Software Build

Software Build Best Practices