Quite a few automated build articles have been cropping up this week over at CodeBetter.Com. The first, How do you build your application?, by Kyle Baley, asks Developers of the .NET community how they manage builds using the NAnt toolkit. Jeffrey Palermo responded with a helpful post including a link to his own NAnt build template. Kyle then followed-up with a few humorous links to graphics of common build scenarios.

CodeBetter.Com has provided me with an overwhelming amount of great .NET content over the years and the above articles couldn’t have arrived at a better time. My spare cycles at Primus Technologies Corporation have been few and far between, but those found have been spent configuring the companies Continous Integration system. I must admit that I was pleased that my own NAnt build script looked remarkably similar to Jeffrey Palermo’s template. :)

Of all of the work involved in developing software, build automation and Continuous Integration are my favorite. When Continuous Integration is implemented correctly it should function like an assembly line. Just like Ford Motor Company, your software will see improvements in efficiency and development time. If you’re a .NET Developer and confused by what I’ve written thus far then you should definitely familiarize yourself with these concepts. At the very least, I’d recommend researching the following tools:

• CruiseControl.NET
• NAnt
• MSBuild
• NUnit
• NDoc / Sandcastle
• FxCop

In addition, Scott Hanselman has a few podcasts that could also be helpful. Listen carefully, read diligently, and improve your software. Be better at your craft.