Virtual Machines in the Build Process: Lower Risk, Greater Portability
When you set up a clean build environment inside a virtual machine, the build environment is not only independent of the host environment but it also is easy to back up and restore, and port to new hardware.
by Joe Silsby
November 20, 2007
evelopers, QA engineers, and build managers alike are finding many uses for virtualization products in today's IT environments. The department I work in as a senior software engineer has standardized on virtualization technology such as VMware's Workstation and Server products for our development needs. One of the main areas that virtualization has really helped us is in our build process.
Traditionally, a build manager installs a fresh operating environment on a designated piece of hardware and lays all of the prerequisites for the organization's build on top of this clean environment. These prerequisites can include technologies such as Java, ANT, Maven, Visual Source Safe, and any number of required third-party utilities and libraries. The build manager then must maintain the integrity of that environment throughout the build process. This is where virtualization products can aid the build manager and make his or her job much easier.
It's quick, easy and you get access to all the articles on DevX.
This registration/login is to allow you to read articles on devx.com. Already a member?
To become a member of DevX.com create your Member Profile by completing the form below. Membership is free!
evelopers, QA engineers, and build managers alike are finding many uses for virtualization products in today's IT environments. The department I work in as a senior software engineer has standardized on virtualization technology such as VMware's Workstation and Server products for our development needs. One of the main areas that virtualization has really helped us is in our build process.
