Use Ant to automate tasks

 

Overview

Apache Ant is a Java-based build tool. In theory, it is similar to Make, but Ant is different. Instead of a model in which it is extended with shell-based commands, Ant is extended using Java classes. Instead of writing shell commands, XML-based configuration files are used. These files reference a target tree in which various tasks are run. Each task is run by an object that implements a particular Task interface.

By combining the following tasks with those provided by Ant, one can create build scripts that compile, package, install, and test your application on the application server:

• Install and uninstall applications

• Start and stop servers in a base configuration

• Run administrative scripts or commands

• Run the EJB deployment tool

• Run the JavaServer Pages (JSP) file precompilation tool

For more detailed information about Ant, refer to the Apache organization Web site.

 

Steps for this task (dependent on configuration)

• To run Ant and have it automatically see the WebSphere classes, use the ws_ant command.

• Use Ant tasks for deployment and server operation.

  This topic describes where to find the API documentation for the Apache Ant tasks for deploying applications and operating application servers.

 

See also

ws_ant command
Ant tasks for deployment and server operation
Ant tasks for building application code

 

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