Build automation is the act of scripting or automating tasks like compiling, packaging, running tests, deployment etc.
Build automation is the act of scripting or automating a wide variety of tasks that software developers do in their day-to-day activities including things like:
- Compiling computer source code into binary code
- Packaging binary code
- Running tests
- Deployment to production systems
- Creating documentation and/or release notes
Advantages
- Improve product quality
- Accelerate the compile and link processing
- Eliminate redundant tasks
- Minimize "bad builds"
- Eliminate dependencies on key personnel
- Have history of builds and releases in order to investigate issues
- Save time and money - because of the reasons listed above.
