Winter 2005Jason Prideaux1 Apache ANT A platform independent build tool for Java programs.

Winter 2005Jason Prideaux2 ANT – A build tool for Java ANT is similar to make, gnumake, etc. ANT is similar to make, gnumake, etc. It is designed for and written in Java. Thus, it is a platform independent. It is designed for and written in Java. Thus, it is a platform independent. It is the de facto standard for open source Java projects. It is the de facto standard for open source Java projects. Ideal for large, complex software projects. Ideal for large, complex software projects.

Winter 2005Jason Prideaux3 ANT – A build tool for Java Build files are written in standard XML as opposed to a specialty language. Build files are written in standard XML as opposed to a specialty language. One build file can be used to set classpath, compile and run your program, generate javadocs, create jars, perform CVS commands, and much more. One build file can be used to set classpath, compile and run your program, generate javadocs, create jars, perform CVS commands, and much more.

Winter 2005Jason Prideaux4 ANT – Build files ANT build files contain the following XML tags:  Project – The name and location of your software program/project.  Properties – Global variables.  Targets – Tasks/commands that ANT can perform.

Winter 2005Jason Prideaux5 ANT – Example build file You start by declaring your project in the xml build file. You start by declaring your project in the xml build file. <description> Build file for simplechat. (optional) </description> …

Winter 2005Jason Prideaux6 ANT – Example build file Next, add properties to the XML file, such as classpath, code directories, compile destinations, etc. Next, add properties to the XML file, such as classpath, code directories, compile destinations, etc. … …

Winter 2005Jason Prideaux7 ANT – Example build file Lastly, add targets to the XML file, which can correspond to commands like javac, java, cvs, etc. Lastly, add targets to the XML file, which can correspond to commands like javac, java, cvs, etc. </classpath></javac>

Winter 2005Jason Prideaux8 References