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Generic Build Support (GBS) - User Manual
GBS User Guide - Home
Thank you for using Generic Build Support (GBS), the generic build environment created by Randy Marques of
Randy Marques Consultancy, Netherlands.
Generic Build Support is a way of setting up a directory structure combined with generic scripts
to accommodate Build Automation for almost any kind of software project.
Building information is kept in dedicated files enabling automatic generation of make files,
independent of platform or SCM System.
The key aspect of GBS is the directory structure.
Its rigid and strict[1]
nature makes sure that everything has
its place so that it can be easily retrieved and it is assured that any GBS command will
run on any SubSystem created according to the GBS Directory Structure rules.
This directory structure makes it possible to swap and/or share software between projects
(interchange ability) ensures an unified way of working.
And yes: where needed there is all the freedom you need!
You can run GBS parallel on Win XP, Windows 7 and Linux systems,
sharing the same physical directory structure.
Although not tested: There is no reason why GBS should not run on Unix, Vista or Windows 8
For a simple project you can start using GBS quickly and keep in mind that everything has its place.
I strongly suggest reading the 'Getting Started' part of the documentation.
Following the instructions in Create a GBS-WA/System will quickly set you on track.
The power of GBS lies in its concept.
So on the long run this means that in order for you to use GBS to its full extent, you must understand the concept
of GBS and use it As Intended.
Understand GBS by:
OR
- Be trained in the concepts and use of GBS by a hired GBS Consultant (Yes!).
- Setup your project with the help of a hired GBS Consultant (Yes!).
You are not allowed to change and/or distribute any part of GBS without permission of the owner.
GBS is Freeware with the following conditions:
- You are allowed to use it at home and at work for free.
- You must use it as intended.
- You do not try to understand GBS by trying to read the internal code.
- You are not allowed to sell GBS as a whole or as part of a product or service.
Contact the owner if you need this.
This free version of GBS is not compatible with previous releases (pre 3.00)
Before you start using GBS, please take a moment to read the
Terms and Conditions
Important
This document is just what it is named. A User Manual.
It does not describe the background, concepts or philosophy of GBS.
It therefore cannot be used to determine whether GBS is usable in a particular environment or project.
It certainly cannot be used to assess the full potential and usability of GBS.
For above purposes the interested user should attend the GBS Concepts presentation as given by Randy Marques.
Features
- Fits perfectly in an Agile environment
- Fully portable and relocatable directory structure
- Multiple platform support: Windows 7 & Linux (WinXP, Vista, Unix)
- Same physical directory structure used for all platforms (on shared network-drives)
- Generated, full compliant 'make' files
- 100% reliable (incremental) builds
- Generated Files Cross Reference
- Allows subdivision into SubSystems and Components
- Any number of SubSystems and/or Components
- Any number of libraries and/or executables per Component
- Strict applicable scoping rules
- Support for embedded generation of 3rd party software
- Integrated support for any compiler
- Integrated support for SCA tools like
QAC/QAC++ and
PC-Lint
- Support for multi-site environments
- Command-line oriented
- Support for GUI integration (e.g. Visual Studio, Slick Edit, Eclipse)
- Automated directory creation and structure setup
- Independent from Software Configuration Management System (SCMS)
- Built-in Parallel generation
- Background generation ('at' jobs) with extensive log files
- Prepared for tools like SoftFab, BuildForge, Hudson and CruiseControl
- Uniform way of working
- Simple in use. Easy to learn. Powerfully due to simplicity and consistency
- Suitable for small, medium and large systems
- Only dependent on Perl (Version 5.16.3 or later,
preferably with PerlTkx)
- Note that for GBS Perl need not be in the PATH, so any use of other Perl versions
is not disturbed
- No, repeat No user written scripts
Documentation
General
GBS Release Notes
Contains up-to-the-minute release information about GBS.
GBS FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Installation Notes
Unix and Windows
Copyright © Randy Marques of Randy Marques Consultancy - All rights reserved