What is build definition?

A build definition is a set of instructions that defines how a software application should be compiled, tested, and deployed. It typically includes a set of steps that are executed sequentially in order to build the product. These steps may include compiling source code, running automated tests, and packaging a release for deployment.

Build definitions can be created within integrated development environments (IDEs) or build automation tools such as Jenkins, TeamCity, or Azure Pipelines. They may be configured to run automatically whenever changes are made to the source code repository, ensuring that the latest version of the application is always available for testing and deployment.

Build definitions can also be customized to include specific build options and parameters, such as selecting a specific version of the compiler or build tool, setting environment variables, and specifying output directories. The flexibility and configurability of build definitions make them an essential component of modern software development, helping to ensure that code changes are consistently built and tested across different environments and platforms.