Description: A build trigger is an event that initiates a build process in continuous integration systems like Jenkins, GitLab CI, and Travis CI. This mechanism allows for the automation of the software development workflow, ensuring that every change in the source code is compiled and tested efficiently. Triggers can be configured to activate under various circumstances, such as when a ‘push’ is made to a repository, a ‘pull request’ is created, or a specific schedule is set. This functionality is essential for maintaining software quality, as it allows for early detection of errors in the development stages. Additionally, build triggers can be customized to fit the specific needs of a project, providing flexibility and control over the integration process. In summary, build triggers are a key tool in automating software development, facilitating collaboration among teams and improving the efficiency of the development lifecycle.
History: The concept of build triggers originated with the development of continuous integration tools in the 1990s. Jenkins, formerly known as Hudson, was one of the pioneers in this field, launched in 2005. As the practice of DevOps gained popularity, the need to automate the build and testing process became crucial, leading to the evolution of more sophisticated triggers in platforms like GitLab CI and Travis CI.
Uses: Build triggers are primarily used in agile development environments to automate continuous integration and delivery. They allow development teams to receive immediate feedback on the state of the code, facilitating the identification and correction of errors. They are also used to run automated tests and generate build artifacts, ensuring that the software is always in a deployable state.
Examples: An example of using build triggers is in a software development project where every time a developer makes a ‘push’ to the main branch of the repository, an automatic build and test process is triggered in Jenkins. Another example is in GitLab CI, where a trigger can be set to run a build every time a ‘merge request’ is created, ensuring that the new code integrates smoothly with the existing code.
