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[Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

Latest post 07-12-2005 4:50 PM by Vector. 17 replies.
  • 10-17-2004 6:39 PM

    [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    Hi guys, lets use this thread to come up with a scope that a good build server co
    covers:

    While BIB comes up with a more detailed one, let me kickstart the discussion by listing down some points which I think are required, with reference to .NET projects:

    . Integration with multiple source control systems
    . Integration with popular build scripting tools (to leverage on existing efforts) like nant
    . Web-based detailed logs
    . Good documentation for using the build server
    . FTP support for deployment to dev and uat servers
    . Xcopy support for dll deployment to network shares on dev servers
    . GUI based addition / exclusion of projects in daily builds
    . Versioning support across builds
    . Archiving support for previous builds
    . Programmatic access to build server to add extensions
    . multiple project and environment support

    What am I missing? Guys, any comments.. Once we have finalized on the list of features, we will allow certain points to each, say 5 pts to feature 1, 2 pts to not so important feature 8, and then go out and mark the available build servers so we can use a mathematics based approach to choosing the best build server out there.



    There is no gene for the human spirit. Gattaca.
  • 10-18-2004 6:03 PM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    I formatted it in Word, not sure if this could still be viewable after i paste here

    Problem: “an assumed isolated changes to a minor part of codebase could cause the system break somewhere else”

     

    You do not need to have included unit test and static analysis tools in order to have the benefits of a build server. While the latter two are important for a more robust cycle of continues integration.

     

    The basic functionality of a build server is once the repository of codebase is changed (checkin), a full version of code base is checkout and built using the build scripts, tested with the test script and results are reported.

     

    Feature

    What it does

    Remarks

     

    Interfacing with Accompanying Tools

    Interface with Source Control Systems

     

    Cvs, Subversion, Vss, ClearCase, PVCS, SourceGear Vault, StarTeam

     

    Interface with Build tools

     

    NAnt (*.build), MSBuild, Makefile, shellscript(*.bat, *sh)

     

    Interface with Unit Test tools

     

    NUnit

     

    Interface with Static Analysis tools

     

    FxCop, NCover

     

    Interface with other tools

     

     

     

    Support multiple versions of the same external tools (in the above)

     

     

    Due to the changes of the dependent tools themselves, a hot-swap feature would be nice to have but not mandatory.

    Deployment to Test Center

     

    ftp, xcopy

     

    Maintain Deployment Archive

     

     

    trunk, branch, possibly the same way with source control?

    Event Handling

    Customization of  Pre-Build Event (triggering)

     

     

    What triggers an automatic build?

    Multiple Post-Build Event Listeners (listening)

     

    Logs, e-mail, webpage, etc

    Or derivatives from logs

    Handle Manual Initiated Build

     

     

     

     

     

    CruiseControl.net

    http://cruisecontrol.sourceforge.net/

     

    Draco.net

    http://draconet.sourceforge.net/

    More commercial tools


     

    blackinkbottle "please polish my crude soul", to the maker of blade the Samurai kneed down and said.
  • 10-19-2004 12:56 AM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    Hi bib,
    Just enabled attachments for this forum. If u like, u can still post ur word doc here.

    Best Regards, Kit Kai, MVP (SharePoint Portal Server)

  • 10-20-2004 9:10 PM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    that is a terrific starting point. I think we just need to flesh out a few more points in there and we can move on to the marking scheme.

    I just got my leave approved and hence would be going to India for the weekend. So there will be no posts from me this weekend however will continue once am back on monday. Meanwhile if u guys wanna discuss further on the above, by all means :0)

    There is no gene for the human spirit. Gattaca.
  • 11-17-2004 11:33 PM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    sorry guys its been crazy at work hence the lack of posts from me....

    i did write a basic article though on the concepts involved in creating a perfect build and I will be putting it up here soon for your review.

    Vector
    There is no gene for the human spirit. Gattaca.
  • 12-23-2004 2:22 PM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    I believe that article you wrote has just been published on MSDN Magazine Southeast Asia Edition. (Nov-Dec 2004 Print edition)

    Sgdotnet and this forum thread is also used as a reference point in that article. Expect some more eyes to come here in the following weeks.

    Well done, Vector YesYes
    ~Softwaremaker (BLOG) M. Twain: "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead"
  • 12-23-2004 2:38 PM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    I couldn't find the link to the softcopy on msdn mag site...
    Triplez said asian addition dun have soft copy...

    Best Regards, Kit Kai, MVP (SharePoint Portal Server)

  • 12-23-2004 3:52 PM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    Its strange, usually in msdn they have the link to the mag article right? i tried but cant find in msdnTongue Tied
    Blog -> http://www.dotnetjunkies.com/weblog/rohanthomas/ Singapore's Professional .NET User Group Rocks!!!! Yes
  • 12-23-2004 10:00 PM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

     kitkai wrote:
    Triplez said asian addition dun have soft copy...


    Correct, the SEA Edition doesnt have a soft copy...and not all msdn mags have full soft copies onsite...and they only appear a while later.

    Drop by MSFT Singapore and get a copy of the SEA Edition of the MSDN Magazine...tell them Vector and Softwaremaker sent you Wink If you need a copy urgently, you can always ping Vector. I am sure he will be more than happy to share it with you. Do not publish it here because of copyright infringements.
    ~Softwaremaker (BLOG) M. Twain: "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead"
  • 12-24-2004 9:35 AM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    Wow... really? will MSFT give me a copy if i tell them that Vector and Swm sent me? Stick out tongueSurprise
    Blog -> http://www.dotnetjunkies.com/weblog/rohanthomas/ Singapore's Professional .NET User Group Rocks!!!! Yes
  • 12-24-2004 9:39 AM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    You can always try...Or in the season of good spirits, tell them Santa sent you.

    If it doesnt work, throw a tantrum, cry loudly, scream wildly and kick the glass doors. That always work for me, at home and at work...Wink
    ~Softwaremaker (BLOG) M. Twain: "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead"
  • 12-24-2004 9:41 AM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    Ehhh......
    Maybe should bring along of you u to show u guys face... maybe that will work...Wink
    Blog -> http://www.dotnetjunkies.com/weblog/rohanthomas/ Singapore's Professional .NET User Group Rocks!!!! Yes
  • 12-24-2004 9:47 AM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    FWIW, you shld get it if you are a MSDN Connection member...

    If you are, it shld be sent to you...
    ~Softwaremaker (BLOG) M. Twain: "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead"
  • 12-24-2004 10:07 AM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    Called my home... they say there is a MSFT mag there.... have to go home and check if its the correct one....
    YAY!!!!!!!Big SmileYes
    Blog -> http://www.dotnetjunkies.com/weblog/rohanthomas/ Singapore's Professional .NET User Group Rocks!!!! Yes
  • 12-24-2004 10:41 AM In reply to

    Re: [Build Server] Scope: Features of a good build server

    wow they actually published it!!!!!!!!! awesome.......
    have not got my hands on a copy of this magazine yet. let me check it out.....

    Rajat
    There is no gene for the human spirit. Gattaca.
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