Question

I am very new to writing Build Script. I am trying to understand the impact of the using Different languages (c#, vb.net c++) while creating a build script.

Build script can written using either Nant or MSBuild.

Is the only change in the build script is with regards to compiler switch or even the deployment structure also changes with language. As far as I understand, i dont think there should be any impact on deployment structure but just want to confirm that from experts.

Answer 1

There wouldn’t be much difference as far as the build script is concerned. It would be easier to compile the project using an MSBuild task on the solution or project file. When your build script compiles using an MSBuild task it doesn’t need to worry if it’s a vb or c# project.

The language specific details of compiling are handled between the MSBuild task and the project file. Think of it as your build script runs a sub-build-script, except Visual Studio generates that sub-build-script (project file). Both MSBuild and Nant (with Nant Contrib) can launch an MSBuild task.

If you want the build server to automatically generate a version number for your project then there is a minor difference. The AssemblyInfo file will be different between the languages. The build task you use to update the AssemblyInfo file should have an option to choose which language it’s working with, and will update the file accordingly.