Modern build automation tools don’t just compile code; they enable workflows by obtaining source code, deploying executables to be tested, and optimizing complex build processes. There are numerous build tools with all sorts of trade-offs between them, but usually they are based on a specific language. For an example, Maven and Ant are XML-based tools, Grunt is JSON-based, and sbt is Scala-based. Build tool features might include running ad-hoc commands, ordering the execution of commands based on dependencies, parallelizing different commands, overseeing file changes and running commands based on those changes, using external processes such as compilers, allowing configuration and re-configuration, and downloading dependencies.

Build automation tools are crucial for moving towards a continuous delivery (CD) model. They allow you to build your project with the click of a button, which reduces errors from manually running steps, and also increases the consistency of the process. Automated builds make sure that the whole team knows almost immediately when something goes wrong, and who is responsible for the error. They are especially important in environments with multiple interdependent projects, helping to ensure that people don’t break anything when working concurrently on different projects. In addition, outside groups (such as marketing and beta customer sites) can pick a stable build and use it while the product or feature is still in progress.

When combined with a solid source control system, build tools allow developers to maintain an archive of builds so that they can backtrack and identify when a bug first appeared in the system. This improves communication and transparency in an organization. Some build tools can even capture metrics for code coverage, code complexity, and features complete that help developers to control code quality and track efficiency.

Add testing to the equation, and you’ll gain the ability to always know the state of your software. That way, you can safely decide whether or not to deploy to production without worrying about unforeseen bugs.