System and method of making software product deliverables

Details System and method of making software product deliverables System and method of making software product deliverables

1998-08-31

2001-01-23

Lintz, Paul R. (Department: 2762)

Data processing: software development, installation, and managem

Software program development tool

Translation of code

C717S152000, C717S152000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06178546

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related in general to the field of computer software, and more particularly, to a system and method of making software product deliverables.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The most basic method of building software product deliverables is by using makefiles. A makefile is a build script written by the software developer which includes the rules for building the programs in the software product deliverable. As software products become larger and more complex, the makefile can become quite complicated and difficult to write and comprehend. It is also more difficult to share common rules and definitions with other builds for the same product or deliverable.
More advanced methods of building software product deliverables allow the developers to write a description file in a higher level format which is then used to generate the makefile. The description file also allows developers to refer to common rules defined in another file.
These existing methods to make software product deliverables have several disadvantages which are addressed and solved by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been recognized that it is desirable to provide an integrated tool that allows developers to inform release engineers what products need to be delivered, how they should be packaged, and how to install the products. Further it is desirable to be able to share common rules so that all builds are performed consistently.
In one aspect of the invention, a method of making software product deliverables includes reading a description file having descriptions of items to be built, packaged, and/or installed, identifying the items, and then generating a build script to build the items described in the description file. An inventory of the items to be built and their respective locations in a build area is generated as well as a packaging list of the items to be included in each package.
In another aspect of the invention, a system of making software product deliverables includes a description file describing items to be built, packaged and/or installed, a rules database storing build macros, and a make process reading the description file and generating a build script according to the build macros in the rules database. The make process further generating an inventory of the items to be built and their respective locations in a build area, and a packaging list of the items to be included in each package, the inventory being stored in an inventory database and the packaging list being stored in a packaging database.
A technical advantage of the present invention is the provision of a single, easy to understand, user interface in the form of a description file to build, package and install software deliverables.


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