May 2, 2024
3 minute read
Build automation is a process of automating the tasks involved in building software, such as compiling code, running tests, and deploying the application to production. This can help to improve the efficiency and quality of the software development process, and it can also free up developers to focus on more creative and strategic tasks.
Benefits of Build Automation
There are many benefits to using build automation, including:
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Increased efficiency: Build automation can help to speed up the software development process by automating repetitive tasks. This can free up developers to focus on more creative and strategic tasks.
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Improved quality: Build automation can help to improve the quality of software by automating tests and ensuring that the software is built consistently and correctly.
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Reduced risk: Build automation can help to reduce the risk of errors in the software development process. By automating tasks, developers can reduce the likelihood of making mistakes and introducing defects into the software.
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Increased collaboration: Build automation can help to increase collaboration between developers by providing a central location for all of the build artifacts. This can make it easier for developers to share code, collaborate on bug fixes, and review changes.
How to Get Started with Build Automation
There are many different ways to get started with build automation. One popular option is to use a build tool such as Jenkins or Bamboo. These tools can help to automate the build process, and they can also provide a central location for all of the build artifacts.
Another option is to use a continuous integration (CI) server. CI servers can automatically build and test code every time a change is made to the codebase. This can help to identify and fix errors early in the development process.
Careers in Build Automation
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Find a path to becoming a Build Automation. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/r3seab/build
Reading list
We've selected 28 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Build Automation.
Considered a seminal work in the field, this book extends the concepts of CI to Continuous Delivery (CD). It provides a comprehensive guide to the principles and technical practices needed for rapid, incremental, and reliable software releases. This must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of automating the entire software delivery pipeline.
Based on extensive research, this book provides data-driven insights into the practices that predict high performance in software delivery, including continuous integration and delivery. It helps solidify the understanding of why build automation and related practices are critical for organizational success. It's particularly valuable for professionals and graduate students interested in the business impact of DevOps practices.
Provides a comprehensive guide to modern software engineering practices, covering topics such as agile development, DevOps, and cloud computing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of continuous delivery, covering the principles, practices, and tools involved in automating the software delivery process.
Is foundational for understanding the core principles of Continuous Integration (CI), a key component of build automation. It explains how to make integration a regular, low-risk activity in software development, covering practices and techniques applicable across different languages and platforms. It's valuable for gaining a broad understanding and serves as a solid reference for implementing CI effectively.
Authored by one of the co-authors of the seminal 'Continuous Delivery' book, this resource likely offers updated perspectives and deeper insights into building and optimizing continuous delivery pipelines. It would be particularly valuable for those looking to advance their understanding beyond the foundational concepts.
Provides a broad overview of the DevOps movement, of which build automation crucial part. It covers the cultural, automation, lean, measurement, and sharing aspects of DevOps, offering insights into how high-performing technology organizations operate. It's an excellent resource for understanding the context and benefits of build automation within a larger organizational strategy.
Focused specifically on Jenkins 2, a leading automation server, this book guides readers in designing and implementing continuous delivery pipelines. It covers key features like Pipeline-as-Code and integration with other technologies, making it a practical guide for those using or planning to use Jenkins for build automation and CI/CD.
Provides a comprehensive guide to building secure and reliable software systems, covering topics such as security best practices, testing, and risk management.
Delves into the concept of managing infrastructure through code, a practice that is increasingly intertwined with build automation and deployment in cloud environments. It provides patterns and practices for automating infrastructure provisioning and management, which is vital for creating reproducible build and deployment environments.
This is the official guide to Apache Maven, a widely used build automation tool primarily for Java projects. It covers all aspects of Maven, from basic concepts to advanced features, and is essential for anyone working with or needing to understand Maven-based build processes. It serves as both a comprehensive introduction and a valuable reference.
For those working with Amazon Web Services (AWS), this book provides specific guidance on implementing DevOps practices, including build automation and CI/CD, within the AWS ecosystem. It covers relevant AWS services and how to leverage them for effective automation.
While not solely focused on build automation, this book from Google provides deep insights into the practices and principles of Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), which heavily relies on automation for building, deploying, monitoring, and maintaining large-scale systems. It offers a more advanced perspective on ensuring the reliability and efficiency of automated systems.
Emphasizes the cultural and human aspects of DevOps, which are essential for successful build automation implementation. It explores how to foster collaboration and build effective teams that can leverage automation tools efficiently. It provides valuable context for the 'why' behind build automation practices.
For those working with microservices, this book is highly relevant as build automation plays a critical role in the CI/CD pipelines of distributed systems. It discusses the challenges and patterns for building, deploying, and managing microservices, highlighting the importance of automation in this architectural style.
Offers practical guidance on implementing Continuous Integration, focusing on best practices and real-world scenarios. It can be a helpful resource for teams looking to adopt or improve their CI processes, complementing the foundational concepts with practical application.
Specifically aimed at beginners, this book provides a step-by-step guide to implementing CI/CD using Jenkins. It's a practical resource for those new to build automation and Jenkins, offering a hands-on approach to learning the fundamentals of setting up automated pipelines.
While focused on testing, this classic book introduces Test-Driven Development (TDD), a practice that is tightly integrated with build automation and Continuous Integration. Understanding TDD is crucial for building a robust automated build process that includes automated testing. It's a foundational text for developers and provides essential background knowledge.
Another practical guide to Test-Driven Development, this book reinforces the concepts introduced by Kent Beck and provides further examples and insights into applying TDD in real-world projects. Understanding TDD is fundamental to building effective automated testing within a build automation framework.
As a foundational build automation tool for Java, Apache Ant is covered in detail in this definitive guide. While Ant has been superseded by tools like Maven and Gradle in many cases, understanding Ant can still be valuable for maintaining legacy systems or for comprehending the evolution of build automation tools. It serves as a comprehensive reference for Ant users.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/r3seab/build
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