Build tool allows developers and build managers to describe the build process also build tools help the programmer to build their project efficiently.
Build tools are programs that automate the creation of executable applications from source code. Building incorporates compiling, linking and packaging the code into a usable or executable form.
Build process is repetitive process where programmer builds the project again and again to test the changes in the project code. While developing a project code changes needs to be test and the testing requires the build of the code and finally deploying on the server for testing. Build tools automate the repetitive process and allows the programmer to concentrate on the project development. It also reduces the overall build time. Build tools makes the build process just a single click work.
In summary, a build tool provides a mechanism to describe the operations and structure of the build process. When the build tool is invoked it uses the description, examines the current state of affairs to determine the steps that need to be executed and in which order, and then manages the execution of those steps.
There are many build tools are available. Followings are few Java build tools available.
- Rake
- Ant
- Maven
