buildsystem

A build system is a set of tools and processes that automates transforming source code and assets into executable programs, libraries, or distribution packages. It manages compilation, linking, testing, packaging, and installation, and coordinates use of compilers, toolchains, and other utilities. A build script or configuration defines the project’s targets, their dependencies, and the commands needed to produce outputs.

Core concepts include a dependency graph, where nodes represent targets (such as object files, libraries, or final executables) and edges denote build-time dependencies. Rules or recipes specify how to produce a target from its inputs. Build systems support incremental builds by only rebuilding changed inputs, enable parallel execution, and often provide caching or remote execution to avoid repeating work. They also often create hermetic environments or sandboxed builds to improve reproducibility.

A typical workflow involves parsing configuration, constructing the dependency graph, deciding what must be rebuilt, executing tasks in the proper order (often in parallel), collecting artifacts, and running tests or packaging steps. Build systems may be language-agnostic or tailored to a particular ecosystem, and may expose a domain-specific language or rely on external scripts.

Common examples include Make, CMake, Meson, Bazel, Gradle, and Maven; Ninja focuses on fast execution. Some tools blend build orchestration with package management or continuous integration. The choice of system affects portability, reproducibility, and maintainability, and many teams select a tool based on project size, language suite, and infrastructure.