What Does 'Build' Mean?

A build (also known as a “build process”) is the process of transforming source code into a stand-alone, executable form that can be run on a computer or other device. In software development, a “build” is typically the final step in the process of creating a new version of a software application or system.

There are several steps involved in the build process, which can vary depending on the specific requirements of the software being built. Generally, the process requires the following sequence:

• Compiling the source code: This step implies converting the source code written in a high-level programming language (such as C++ or Java) into machine code that can be executed by the computer’s processor.
• Linking: During this step, the compiler combines the object files created during the compilation process into a single executable file. This executable file contains all the necessary code and resources needed to run the software.
• Packaging: In this step, the build process gathers all the necessary files and resources (such as images and other media assets) and packages them into a single, deployable package. This package can then be distributed to end users or deployed to production environments.
• Testing: Before the build is released, it is often tested to ensure that it functions as intended and meets the specified requirements. This can include both automated and manual testing.
• Releasing: Once the build has been tested and is deemed ready for release, it is distributed to end users or deployed to production environments.

The build process is an important part of the software development lifecycle, as it ensures that the final product is of high quality and ready for deployment. Many software development teams use automated build tools to automate and streamline the build process, allowing them to build, test, and release new versions of their software more efficiently.

More information

There are a lot of different tools and approaches that can be used to automate the building process. Some common examples include Make, Ant, and Maven for Java projects and CMake for C++ projects.

Many integrated development environments (IDEs) also include support for building and testing software, making it easy for developers to manage the build process within a single tool.

In addition to the traditional build process described above, there is also a concept known as continuous integration (CI) that has become popular in recent years. CI involves setting up an automated build process that is triggered every time new code is committed to the codebase.

This allows developers to quickly and easily see the results of their changes and ensures that the codebase is always in a deployable state.