build

Build is a term with multiple related meanings, generally referring to the act of creating something or the resulting product. As a verb, it means to assemble or construct; as a noun, it can denote either the process or the finished item.

In software development, a build is the process of transforming source code into an executable program, library, or other distributable artifact. This involves steps such as compilation, linking, and packaging. Build configurations specify how the process should run, including compiler options, target platforms, and optional features. The output, or build artifact, may be an executable, a dynamic or static library, a package, or an installer.

Build systems and tools automate these steps. They manage dependencies, track file changes, and trigger incremental rebuilds, reducing unnecessary work. Common examples include Make, CMake, Gradle, Maven, Ant, Meson, and Bazel. Build configurations and scripts can be reused across environments to ensure consistency.

In modern software workflows, continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines automate building and testing code whenever changes are committed. These pipelines can produce signed artifacts and deploy them to staging or production environments, supporting reproducible and auditable releases.

The term also appears in hardware contexts, where a “build” can describe assembling a computer or other equipment from individual components, guided by compatibility, performance goals, and budget considerations.

Build metadata, including versioning, helps identify artifacts and track changes over time. Reproducible builds aim to produce identical results from the same sources and environment, enhancing security and reliability. The noun can also refer to a specific version or configuration of a product, such as a particular software build.