sassemble

sassemble is a manifest-driven build and assembly tool designed to construct composite software artifacts from modular components. It aims to automate reproducible packaging, deployment images, and runtime environments by orchestrating sources, builds, and resources defined in a manifest.

A manifest file (commonly YAML or JSON) describes components, their versions, dependencies, sources, build steps, and desired outputs. The tool resolves dependencies, schedules tasks, and executes the necessary steps in the correct order. It supports templating and variable substitution, allowing the same manifest to be adapted to different targets. A plugin system lets users add custom build steps or processors. Builds can be cached and isolated to improve reproducibility.

Usage usually involves writing a manifest and invoking sassemble to produce an artifact such as a distribution package, an installation image, or a runtime environment. Typical workflow: create manifest, run sassemble, review logs, and validate the output.

Architecture: the core engine handles dependency resolution and task orchestration. Components are defined with metadata including sources and checksums. The system supports parallel execution, error handling, and hooks for pre- and post-build actions.

Impact and similar tools: sassemble is used in automated deployment pipelines and build farms in environments where reproducibility of artifact assembly matters. It exists alongside other manifest-based or cross-platform packaging tools and build systems and interfaces with image builders and package managers.

Limitations: learning curve for manifest design; reliance on accurate metadata; may be overkill for simple projects; community size and ecosystem maturity vary.

See also: build systems, package managers, manifest-based tools.