Entries from March 2007 ↓

Visualizing Ant build scripts using Ant Explorer

March 20th, 2007 — Technology

 
Ant build scripts can be easily visualized using yWorks Ant Explorer. It provides a clear presentation of both the targets and their dependencies along with the used properties. It also allows us to visualize the run of Ant build scripts. Its stand alone version can be installed locally which provides the analysis and execution of local Ant scripts without the need for additional software. It can also be easily integrated with other IDE’s like Eclipse and NetBeans using the available plugin’s.

Advantages of Ant Explorer
  • 1. the de-facto build tool standard
  • 2. provides powerful integration into popular IDE’s
  • 3. helps identifying complex dependencies
  • 4. presents properties
  • 5. visualizes Ant build script runs
  • 6. integrates transparently integrates transparently

No Comments

15 Best Practises in ANT

March 20th, 2007 — Technology

Following are some of the best practices in Ant which are posted in ‘OnJava’…

1. Adopt Consistent Style Conventions

2. Put build.xml in the Project Root Directory

3. Prefer a Single Buildfile

4. Provide Good Help

5. Provide a Clean Target

6. Manage Dependencies

7. Using AntDefine and Reuse Paths

8. Define Proper Target Dependencies

9. Use Properties for Configurability

10. Keep the Build Process Self-Contained

11. Use Version Control

12. Use Ant as the Least Common Denominator

13. Use zipfileset

14. Perform the Clean Build Test

15. Avoid Platform-Specific Ant Wrappers

For more details on the above best practises you can visit

http://www.onjava.com/pub/a/onjava/2003/12/17/ant_bestpractices.html

No Comments