Build automation tools, pointers

Question

Hi guys,

I am looking to automate the installation of software produced by my build process.

How do i automate this process - any tools, pointers will help.

Answer 1

We use a tool called Ant Hill Pro. It is a little expensive, but it is totally worth the price. We have it do all of our build steps, unit testing, and deployments. We do this with multiple products (5 I think) and each one has multiple branches.

Answer 2

One possible tool for build automation is MSBuild. When used in conjunction with Microsoft TeamBuild, this is a pretty powerful tool.

I've never tried to create a virtual machine from it, but you can create custom tasks to do whatever you need done.

Answer 3

I would suggest using NAnt (http://nant.sourceforge.net/) It's a pretty good tool for any build automation. Works with NUnit, most of the source controls pretty well. Checks builds, deploys them. You can set-up pretty much any workflow.

Answer 4

you can have a look at Visual Build Pro. quite Powerful, easy to use and good UI.

you can also look at Automated Build Studio which has tools integrated to do build, deploy and automate testing.

Answer 5

You should take a look at WMI to configure IIS. Take a look at Creating Sites and Virtual Directories, and Setting Properties Using WMI. You can write a VBScript or a PowerShell script to run your script that creates a virtual directory, copies your files, and sets up the application pool for your application. If you're using IIS7, there is a nice PowerShell snap-in with lots of handy cmdlets.

Answer 6

The source for the Castle Project does runs some complex build scripts using Nant.

If you're using MSBuild the MSBuild Sidekick may be of help. Finsally the MSBuild Community Tasks has a wealth of tools including tasks for vreating web directories.