Software Build Systems: Principles and Experience

by Peter Smith

This is the eBook version of the printed book.

Inadequate build systems can dramatically impact developer productivity, Bad dependencies, false compile errors, failed software images, slow compilation, and time-wasting manual processes are just some of the byproducts of a subpar build system. In Software Build Systems, software productivity expert Peter Smith shows you how to implement build systems that overcome all these problems, so you can deliver reliable software more rapidly, at lower cost.

Smith explains the core principles underlying highly efficient build systems, surveying both system features and usage scenarios. Next, he encapsulates years of experience in creating and maintaining diverse build systems–helping you make well-informed choices about tools and practices, and avoid common traps and pitfalls. Throughout, he shares a wide range of practical examples and lessons from multiple environments, including Java, C++, C, and C#. Coverage includes

Mastering high-level build system concepts, including source and object trees, build tools, and compilation tools Understanding what build systems must construct, the input and output files they use, and the role of build variants Comparing five leading build tools: GNU Make, Ant, SCons, CMake, and the Eclipse IDE’s integrated build features Ensuring accurate dependency checking and efficient incremental compilation Using metadata to assist debugging, profiling, and source code documentation Packaging built software for installation on your target machine Managing complex version-control issues that impact the build process Implementing best practices for managing build machines and compilation tools

If you’re a developer, this book will illuminate the issues involved in building and maintaining the build system that’s best for your team. If you’re a manager, you’ll discover how to evaluate your team’s build system and improve its effectiveness. And if you’re a build “guru,” you’ll learn how to optimize the performance and scalability of your build system, no matter how demanding your requirements are.

Genres: Programming, Engineering

Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2011

Reviews

[Navid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the chapters on CMake and Scons were interesting, this book is 100% boring. I am not saying this because of the topic itself. But the way this book discusses the topic. Instead of talking the broader pictures it just focuses on small syntax stuff. I do not recommend this book. Particularly considering that right now it is an old book.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a nice introduction to build systems.
This book IS NOT yet another manual to the build systems. It would be silly to expect a thorough manual to every build system in one book - that is what the official documentation is for. The book gives just about enough to get you started with any of the build systems (examples, use-cases and tricks) and more importantly provides pros/cons analysis of each of the system from both the development workflow and maintenance perspective + comparison to other systems, which obviously helps with a choice of the right system.

I had previous encounters with most of the build systems described (eg. gnu make, auto*hell, cmake and scons) and was able to skim though the book. Nevertheless I found the book very interesting and enjoyable to read.
The book got me very interested in scons, which I think is brilliant.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough introduction to software builds, for beginners. Having worked with builds for several years I was able to skim a lot.

[Quentin Fennessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good technical survey of software build systems, covering java, C/C++ and Windows builds. I like the advice offered on approach and trade-offs.