Best Practices for Crafting an Efficient Build Script

Best Practices for Crafting an Efficient Build Script

9 May 2011

When it comes to software development, a robust and efficient build script can be a game-changer. Whether you’re working on a Java project or any other type of application, the right build script can streamline the whole process and make life a whole lot easier for developers. Here’s a rundown of some best practices to keep in mind when you’re writing your build script:

Platform Independence #

Choose a programming language that is compatible across multiple platforms, especially if you’re working on a Java project. This flexibility will save you from a lot of headaches down the line when dealing with different operating systems.

Automation is Your Friend #

Try to automate as many tasks as possible. Start with a comprehensive clean-up of previous builds, followed by fully automated build and deployment processes. This level of automation will ensure consistency and help eliminate human error.

Server Restart #

It might seem like a small thing, but automating your server restart can make a big difference in speeding up the development cycle. It eliminates one more manual step, thereby boosting overall developer efficiency.

Recompiling and Updating #

Every time a build is triggered, make sure all classes are recompiled, and optionally fetch the most recent code from your repository. This keeps everything up-to-date and ensures that you’re always working with the latest codebase.

Enforce Discipline #

Stale references to outdated code can create havoc. Your build script should check for these and flag them so they can be addressed. Think of your build script as a referee that helps maintain a certain level of coding discipline among your developers.

Smart Shortcuts #

While crafting your build script, consider integrating shortcuts or features that facilitate faster builds and deployments. Time saved here can be reallocated to more critical aspects of development.

Deployment Options #

Consider offering multiple deployment options within your script. For example, you may want to:

  • Deploy only HTML and JSP files
  • Deploy only compiled Java classes
  • Perform just a server restart
  • Deploy only property files

This flexibility is not necessarily a must-have when you’re starting out. However, as your project grows, these options will become increasingly useful for iterative improvements to your build process.