Glossary · Source control and deployment
Build
The process that transforms source files and dependencies into output that can be tested or deployed.
Also called: website build, software build, build process
Definition
A build may compile code, render pages, bundle assets, optimize files, generate search indexes, or validate content. The resulting artifact should be tied to the source revision and environment that produced it.
Why it matters
A reproducible build separates intentional source changes from opaque manual edits on a live server.
Common misunderstanding
A successful build proves the artifact was generated; it does not prove every page or user flow works in production.
Related terms
Related system family: Hosting & Release
Sources
Last reviewed July 16, 2026