Pro Apache Ant (Hardcover)

~ Matthew Moodie (Author)
Key Phrases: expanded web application, zip file set, glob mapper, Example Application Build, Element Attribute Description, Apache Ant (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Pro Apache Ant is ideal for Java developers who need to use the leading open source build tool out there for development and project management. It is organized around chronological tasks instead of alphabetical functions, using a sample application throughout the set-up, from calling database scripts to unit testing. Practical examples are used at every stage and each task includes a concrete example. The configuration files are XML based, so there's no need for you to write shell commands . Each task is run by an object that implements a particular task interface. And if you really need to execute a shell command, Ant has an task that allows different commands based on the OS.

About the Author

Matthew Moodie was a technical and developmental editor for two and a half years, and recently served as Editor for Beginning JSP 2: From Novice to Professional and Foundations of JSP Design Patterns, both published by Apress.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Apress; 1 edition (November 16, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590595599
• ISBN-13: 978-1590595596
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #738,704 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice blend of practical and reference material..., February 4, 2006

By	Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Ant is one of those "Swiss Army Knife" tools that can take care of a stunning amount of work when it comes to automating your build process. Matthew Moodie does a good job mixing reference and practical information about Ant in his book Pro Apache Ant.

Contents: Introducing Ant; Installing Ant; Using Ant; Examining Ant's Types; Building a Project; Deploying an Application; Running an Application; Testing an Application; Using Ant in Large Projects; Writing Custom Tasks; Extending Ant; Using the Ant API; Index

In Pro Apache Ant, Moodie does a quick intro to the package and shows you how to install it. Once that's done, then you're off on a tour that touches on a wide array of functionality that Ant brings to your development project. The book seems to be a smooth blend of reference material covered in a format that is more geared towards practicality. For instance, the Building A Project chapter sets up an example scenario that would commonly be seen in a programming environment. The structure of the development system is put forth, and then the Ant code is built to show how an Ant script can automate the many manual tasks that would normally be part of the build process. Interspersed throughout the chapter are tables that show the particular command being used, as well as an explanation of all the particular attributes and parameters that can be used with the command. As such, you learn *how* to do something as well as having the tools to extend your use beyond the example. Having the blend of styles makes the book one that will last beyond your learning period.

If you've never worked through build processes in your environment, or if this is your first exposure to a scripting tool like Ant, you may end up proceeding a bit slower than you'd like. While you can learn everything you need from this book, it seemed to me that the reader would probably do better if they had at least a passing familiarity with scripting tools and a Java build process. The intro is quick, but if you're willing to do what's necessary to get the basics down, the book will be invaluable going forward. And if you're looking for something to round out your knowledge of Ant because you use it on a regular basis, then this is a very viable option. Nice job...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Release Engineers-Best 0-60 Speed In Class, April 11, 2007

By	J. Babbington "1st2know" (60601, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I needed something that would help me master Ant in as little time as possible. This is the book. The book gives fundamentals as well as cook book examples. You could click thru the free Ant doc online, but this book will get you up and running in the least amount of time.

It also has a section on extending Ant. From my searching, this book is the only good resource on extending and customizing Ant. Both a good starter book and a good reference book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good balance of content vs api, March 4, 2006

By	Jeanne Boyarsky (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Ant is one of those technologies that has an excellent manual and API online . This sets a higher standard for a book so as not too just duplicate the Internet content. "Pro Apache Ant" meets this challenge.

The author walks you through a good number of the Ant tasks with examples and tips. The attributes are provided for common tasks, so you have a physical reference. The author refers you to the manual for some of the less common tasks. A summary of ant-contrib is provided since it is such a standard library. The author points to the Internet for a list of optional tasks.

This book assumes you know Java and the packaging process. In other words, you should know what a jar and war are to understand the sample application.

After walking through the common tasks and incrementally building a sample build.xml, the author delves into some more advanced topics. Included are how to refactor a build file, accommodate large projects, custom tasks, mappers and how to use the Ant API from a Java program.

The book doesn't have any fluff. It starts with an introduction to Ant and Ant's benefits. After a detailed explanation of how to install Ant, you see the first Ant task. I recommend "Pro Apache Ant" if you are getting started with Ant or want to know how to use it more powerfully.