Build
The step that turns source + dependencies + configuration into artifacts you can ship, such as binaries, packages, or images.
Definition
A build is the step that turns inputs (source code, dependencies, configuration, toolchains) into outputs you can ship: artifacts such as binaries, packages, or images.
Why “build” is more than “compile”
Compilation can be one part of a build, but builds often include:
- dependency resolution (lockfiles)
- code generation
- tests and checks
- bundling, packaging, image creation
Why builds matter operationally
Two deployments can run “the same code” but behave differently if the build inputs differ (toolchain versions, flags, dependencies, target architecture).