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
There are many different careers that are related to build automation. Some of the most common include:
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Build Engineer: Build engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining build systems. They work with developers to ensure that the build process is efficient and reliable.
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DevOps Engineer: DevOps engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They work to automate the build and deployment process, and they also help to ensure that the software is running smoothly in production.
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Software Tester: Software testers are responsible for testing software to ensure that it is working correctly. They may use build automation tools to automate the testing process.
Online Courses in Build Automation
There are many online courses that can help you to learn about build automation. These courses can teach you the basics of build automation, or they can help you to learn how to use specific build tools or CI servers.
Some of the most popular online courses in build automation include:
- Getting Started with Atlassian Bamboo 7
- DevOps and Build Automation with Python
- End-to-end Software Development with Team Foundation Server 2015
- Building and Deploying Applications with Cake
- Introduction to npm 12 as a Build Tool
- Apache Ant Fundamentals
- Building a Deployment Pipeline for .NET Applications
- Automating Jenkins with Groovy
- Gradle for Android and Java
- Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer: Creating an Automated Build Workflow
- Running Jenkins in Docker
These courses can teach you the skills and knowledge you need to get started with build automation. They can also help you to advance your career in software development.
Is Build Automation Right for You?
Build automation is a valuable skill for software developers. It can help you to increase your efficiency, improve the quality of your software, and reduce the risk of errors. If you are interested in learning more about build automation, there are many online courses that can help you get started.
Here are some personality traits and personal interests that may indicate that you would be a good fit for a career in build automation:
- You are detail-oriented and have a strong attention to detail.
- You are interested in learning about new technologies.
- You are a team player and enjoy working with others.
- You are passionate about building high-quality software.
If you have these traits and interests, then a career in build automation may be the right fit for you.
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.
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.
Provides a comprehensive overview of continuous delivery, covering the principles, practices, and tools involved in automating the software delivery process.
Provides a comprehensive guide to modern software engineering practices, covering topics such as agile development, DevOps, and cloud computing.
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.
Offers a practical guide to implementing CI/CD pipelines, covering the automation of builds, tests, and deployments. It provides hands-on knowledge and best practices for achieving faster and more reliable software releases, making it a valuable resource for practitioners.
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.
Focuses on using Docker and Kubernetes for continuous delivery, providing a practical guide to building, testing, and deploying applications using these technologies.
Provides a comprehensive guide to building secure and reliable software systems, covering topics such as security best practices, testing, and risk management.
Provides a comprehensive guide to building software architectures that are designed to be flexible and adaptable, enabling organizations to respond to changing business requirements.
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.
Presented as a novel, this book illustrates the principles of DevOps through a fictional story. It provides an accessible and engaging way to understand the challenges and benefits of adopting DevOps practices, including the importance of flow and automation in the IT value stream. It's often recommended as an introductory read.
Provides a deep dive into Gradle, a powerful and flexible build automation tool popular for Java, Android, and other projects. It covers the core concepts of Gradle and how to build various types of projects, making it a valuable resource for those focusing on Gradle for their build automation needs.
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.
This volume provides practical guidance on system administration in the cloud era, incorporating DevOps and SRE practices. It includes valuable information on automation, monitoring, and managing complex systems, offering a broader perspective on the operational aspects that build automation supports.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aimed at developers, this book introduces DevOps concepts and practices from a developer's perspective. It helps developers understand their role in the DevOps lifecycle and how build automation fits into their workflow, fostering better collaboration with operations teams.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/r3seab/build
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