Builds
A build is a process that derives new resources from existing ones, updates existing resources, or both.
In the Workbench, different builders are invoked for different types
of projects. For example, when a build is triggered for a Java project, a Java
builder converts each Java source file (.java files) into one or more executable class files
(.class files). Builders usually enforce the constraints of some
domain. For example, a Web link builder could update links to files
whose name/location changes.
There are two kinds of builds:
-
An incremental build leverages a
previously built state and applies the transforms of the configured builders
to the resources that have changed since the previous state was computed
(that is, since the last build).
-
A clean build discards any problems and
previously built state. The next build after a clean will transform all resources according to
the domain rules of the configured builders.
Incremental and clean builds can be done over a specific set of projects or
the workspace as a whole. Specific files and folders cannot be built. There are two ways that builds can be performed:
- Automatic builds are performed as resources are saved. Automatic builds
are always incremental and always operate over the entire workspace. You can
configure your preferences
Window > Preferences > General > Workspace
) to
perform builds automatically on resource modification.
-
Manual builds are initiated when you explicitly select a menu item or press the
equivalent shortcut key. Manual builds can be either clean or incremental and can operate over collections of projects
or the entire workspace.
External tools
Building resources
Performing builds manually
Performing builds automatically
Saving resources automatically before a manual build
Changing build order
