jar file for the distribution of the codeĪnt uses an XML file for its configuration. the compilation of the Java source code into Java bytecode.More generally, Ant can be used to pilot any type of process which can be described in terms of targets and tasks. Ant can also be used effectively to build non-Java applications, for instance, C or C++ applications. Ant supplies a number of built-in tasks allowing to compile, assemble, test, and run Java applications. The main known usage of Ant is the build of Java applications.

What is Apache AntĪpache Ant is a Java library and command-line tool whose mission is to drive processes described in build files as targets and extension points dependent upon each other. Popular build tools in the Java space are Maven, Gradle and Apache Ant. As a user interface is not required for such builds, these builds are called headless. This can be, for example, compiling source code, running software tests, and creating files and documentation for the software deployment.īuild tools typically run without a graphical user interface directly from the command line. The build result can be shared with users of the software or used only internally.Ī build tool is used to automate repetitive tasks during this process. For example source code might be compiled into a JAR file, or you may create a new standalone application. In software development, the term building usually means the conversion of source code and other artifacts, like images or configuration files, into another artifact. In this example, we will explain Apache Ant Command Line Arguments.

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