Preventing build breaks - using a pre-commit build

Question

What methods are available for preventing sloppy developers from breaking builds.
Are there any version control systems which have a system of preventing check-in of code which breaks the build.
Thanks

Answer 1

Microsoft TFS Build has something called "gated check-ins" which provides this, by performing a private check-in (called Shelving) which is promoted to a normal check-in if the build succeeds.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/patcarna/archive/2009/06/29/an-introduction-to-gated-check-in.aspx

TeamCity has the concept of "delayed commit"

http://www.jetbrains.com/teamcity/features/delayed_commit.html

I can wholeheartedly recommend TeamCity!

Answer 2

1. Get a LART and beat developers who break the build.
2. Have the build status on a great big screen where everyone can see it with the a red/green background and the name of the last person to commit.
3. Have the build server send an e-mail to the whole dev team fingering the developer who broke the build.

Honestly... why do people get so hung up on "making developers do X". Tell them it's the process, and fire them if they don't follow it.