Build automation tools are software that compiles the string of commands into the language the machine directly understands and responds to. These tools help in automating the entire process, subsequently cutting down manual work notably. That being said, below is the list of tools you should definitely try!
Jenkins
Jenkins is one of the leading open-source tools to build software, test, and deploy any project. It can be used either as a continuous delivery hub or as a Continuous Integration (CI) server according to the requirement. It is suitable for any size of business, from small to large ones owing to its versatile support system for various platforms. You do not have to pay an amount to use this tool.
CodeShip
CodeShip allows creators to implement continuous integration and continuous deployment (CD) in the cloud. It aids in developing applications for much bigger build tasks. Hence, it can be used even by individuals to professionally big organizations. One can choose the basic plan, essential plan, or the pro plan according to interest.
TeamCity
Small as well as larger businesses can make use of TeamCity. It is a solution for Continuous Integration. The build server provides cloud integration while allowing you to store build history. All errors are reported to the developer in real-time, which can be fixed directly or assigned to the other members.
Apache Ant
Apache Ant (Another Neat Tool) is a command-line tool used on the Java platform. Its chief purpose is to build Java applications. The tool by Apache Software Foundation is portable and has the merit of being easy to use for projects. Therefore, even individuals can use this for their personal interest as much as it is helpful for businesses. Developers can use this build tool to compile, re-compile, convert the source code, and run a software test. It doesn’t require developers to pay to make use of this flexible and handy tool.
Maven
One can use Maven for documenting and managing projects written in Java language. It is an automation tool by Apache Software Foundation to aid in providing functionalities for creating various projects. This management tool is known for simplifying a developer’s work in many ways, similar to ANT. However, Maven is much more advanced. Providing quality plug-ins, project information, and a uniform build system makes the entire process easier. Furthermore, it allows the team to work on many projects simultaneously. This is good for a company like LSA Networks which develops dating sites and applications to find a local sex hookup. They have the ability to develop and push different projects based on region all at the same time.
BuildMaster
BuildMaster by Inedo is an automation tool that performs CI and CD for various platforms. One can depend on it to release software on the targeted time and date with release notes and rollbacks. You can build any kind of application on .NET, PHP, Node.js, Java, etc. Apart from creating and maintaining, the software can be deployed on the cloud, Windows, mobile, and a lot more. In addition, BuildMaster can run an automated test and let the team know if there are errors or failures. It eliminates man-made errors that could have consumed a lot of time.
Gradle
Any developer will choose to speed up various projects, be it for a small startup or an established large company if the option exists. Gradle allows a creator to automate and build more quickly while ensuring the delivery of better software.
CirlcleCI
This is a platform for delivering CI and CD, which is free for trying for some stipulated period. Besides automated deployments, it also provides a heads-up when there is an error.
Travis CI
Travis CI allows developers to sync any of their projects and test the code in a short span of time. Once your application is tested, Travis CI ensures that you can deploy your application with confidence. It supports Java, Ruby, iOS, and a lot more and is free of cost for open-source projects.
Bamboo
A developer can build and deploy projects with Bamboo. It also performs the task of testing and releasing professionally. Bamboo is free to use for 30 days, after which one can choose any of the two plans offered for small or more extended teams.
Azure DevOps Server
Azure DevOps Server lets teams plan and collaborate smartly to develop and work on any project smartly. Any team can make use of its software development tools. The platform, formerly known as Microsoft Team Foundation Server (TFS), tracks bugs and tasks efficiently.
Chef
Chef provides a platform for defining IAC (Infrastructure As Code). In other words, it is an automation tool to manage infrastructure through code. It performs application deployment and configuration of infrastructure, which can be a collaborative project of security engineers, developers, and operations engineers.
These build automation tools speed up the entire process of getting all the critical and insignificant yet bulky tasks done. Each with its own merit saves a developer’s time, energy, and money to a large extent.
