subbuild

subbuild refers to a technique in software development where a separate, smaller build process is triggered as part of a larger build. This can be used for various purposes, such as compiling a specific module, running unit tests for a particular component, or packaging a subset of the project's artifacts. The subbuild process is often managed by a build system like Make, Gradle, or Bazel, which orchestrates the execution of these smaller, independent builds. The primary advantage of using subbuilds is improved build performance and efficiency. By breaking down a large build into smaller, manageable units, developers can achieve faster feedback cycles. If a change is made to a specific module, only the subbuild associated with that module needs to be re-executed, rather than the entire project. This selective rebuilding significantly reduces the time spent waiting for builds to complete. Furthermore, subbuilds promote modularity and better organization within a project. They encourage developers to isolate components and define clear dependencies, leading to a more maintainable and scalable codebase. This approach is particularly beneficial in large, complex projects with multiple teams working on different parts of the system. Error isolation is another advantage; failures in a subbuild are typically contained, making it easier to pinpoint the source of the problem.