The Build Master
I don't think anyone will argue but the majority of technical books are used for reference. OK so every so often a new book comes out and you read it cover to cover. Well that time has come.
Vincent Maraia has just authored a book called The Build Master. If you have anything to do with software development then you MUST read this book. I don't care how good you are, how many products you shipped or if you are already a build master, you MUST read this book.
Every development shop must address most if not all of the topics found in this book. If you're not, then you really need to invest some time and money in yourself and clean shop. I guarantee things could be better. Just ask yourself a few questions:
- Do you have a good concurrent development mailline strategy? Do you know what one is?
- Do you know how to branch and merge?
- Do you version?
- Do you have any automation?
- Do you have a build process?
- Do you have a build team?
If you have answered No to any of these questions then just go buy it now and start reading. Again regardless no matter who you are, you still need to read this book.
Vincent Maraia, Great Read and Great Job!!! I can't wait for the next one.
Table of Contents
- Defining a Build
- Source Tree Configuration
- Daily Not Nightly Builds
- The Build Lab
- Build Tools
- SNAP Builds
- The Build Environment
- Visioning
- Build Security
- Managed Code Versus Unmanaged Code Builds
- Building for International
- Build Verification Tests
- Building Setup and Deploying Every Day
- Ship It
- Product Support Services
- Hotfixes or Patch Management
- Suggested Steps to Change Your Religion or Philosophy (Corporate Culture)
- Future Build Tools from Microsoft