The FinalBuilder IDE

Main Action List

The main action list is where you define your build script.  The build script is a set of actions, which are executed from the top to the bottom during a build process.  Actions may be laid out in a hierarchal manner so that you can add structure to your build process.  In the example to the right, some nodes of the build process from above have been collapsed ("Try" and "Catch") to draw the attention of the user to the steps in the "Finally" action group. 

The OnFailure action list is a special list of actions which only gets executed if your build fails.  OnFailure actions typically "clean up" so that the next build runs without error (eg. Check files back into version control).

Actions

The "Actions" tab lists all the available actions for you to add to your build process.  The actions available include compilers, file operations, version control systems, testing tools, etc, etc.  There are hundreds of actions so that you can make your build process as automatic as possible.  If there is not a built in action for something you need to do as part of your build process, there are many ways to accomplish the task, including writing your own actions using ActionStudio.

Executing a build

To execute a build, either click the run button on the toolbar, or select the Run menu option from the Run menu.  Running a build puts the FinalBuilder IDE into a build running state where it automatically selects the current action being executed as well as displaying logging information in the build log (see below).  When a build is running you cannot edit any actions, but you can change tabs at the bottom of the IDE so you can access the Run Status, or Watches for example.  You can pause or stop a build using the Run menu or the toolbar buttons.

Build Log

The build log is where the output and logging messages go during the build.  The log is organised in the same hierarchy as your build process and records all the timing, status, and messages which occurred during the build.  The build log is updated in real time, so that you can watch the progress of the build.