Build Automation Tools are used as a part of the software development lifecycle where software source code is compiled into computer machine language code by means of a build script. Build automation is a crucial step in moving towards a continuous delivery model and is an important part of what has become known as DevOps, or the set of best practices around establishing a more agile relationship between Development and IT Operations.
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Build automation tools help businesses develop and release software more quickly by standardizing and automating software build tasks. These tools make various phases of software development automated, repeatable, and more predictable.
Since software development often needs significant human oversight, the development process can be very costly and time-consuming. Software build processes in particular are commonly repetitive, and thus prime candidates for automation. By automating large swaths of tedious work, build automation tools help teams work faster and with more flexibility.
Typically, build automation tools use scripting languages to link source code, software components, and build processes. Build automation scripting can handle many parts of the process, including generating documentation, compiling code, and running tests.
Build automation is a critical component of continuous delivery and DevOps practices.
Most build automation tools have the following features:
When evaluating which build automation tool is right for you, consider the following factors:
Open-Source or proprietary: Many popular build automation tools are free and open-source. Some vendors of open-source tools offer paid training and support plans, but other tools rely on developer expertise and community support. Commercial build automation tools, on the other hand, are available with multiple licensing plans and tiers of support. Some support services include in-house training, developer services, and consulting at additional expenses. If you’re low on IT or in-house development support, spending on extended, hands-on support is always a good idea. If you’re rich in expertise but money is tight, open-source tools are probably the better choice.
Ease of use: Build automation tools include a wide variety of software that may not be suited for every business type. Some tools have features focused on specific software industries, while other tools cater to large development teams with complex build needs. Make sure you pick a tool that has the right scope for your needs. Unnecessary features can lead to higher costs, more training time needed, and confusion during the build design process.
Multi-platform builds: If you’re developing software for multiple platforms, this feature is critical. You need to be able to test and build for all target platforms with only minor changes, such as tweaking a configuration file. When deciding on a build automation tool, make sure that it supports cross-platform building, testing, and deployment with minimal developer effort.
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Many popular build automation tools are open-source and free. Vendors of paid software commonly offer a flat subscription rate or usage-based pricing. These tools usually include features aimed at enterprises or larger teams. Annual costs for build automation tools can range from under $600 to over $100,000 depending on the scale and complexity of your needs.
Popular build automation tools include: