Build Definition
With build definition, you are in control of what, when, where and how a build is performed.
Manual - The build will run only when explicitly queued by the user.
Continuous Integration - You define the areas of code that is related to the build and whenever there is a check-in, the build process is triggered.
Rolling Builds - Similar to continuous integration, check-ins will trigger the build process. However, rolling builds batch several check-ins together so that the build server does not get backlogged.
Gated Check-in - To ensure working builds, the gated check-in feature allows the developer to check-in modified code as a shelveset rather than into a version control. The Build Server takes the latest code and merges it with the shelveset and performs the build process. If the build is successful, then changes in the shelveset are checked into source control automatically on the developer's behalf.
Private Builds - Private builds allows the developer to manually queue a build with the latest code merges with their modified shelveset. This is similar to the Gated Check-in, however the shelveset is not automatically checked into source control after a successful build.
Schedule - Builds can be scheduled to be triggered at a particular time - e.g., nightly.
Secure Build download
After a build, the build is available for download via FTP. We only support secure FTP over SSL access to your build files.
Deploy from Build server
After a build, you can deploy your code to anywhere you'd like. As an example, we show how you can deploy from the build server to a DiscountASP.NET web hosting account using Web Deploy.
Build notifications
Build notification can be configured to notify you of various build events.
Windows Workflow
Windows Workflow provides enhanced visual editing experience of the build process.
Enhanced Build deletion options
Team Foundation Server provides many options for which data you desire to delete with the build.