Work Product Descriptor (Artifact): Build
An operational version of a system or part of a system that demonstrates a subset of the capabilities to be provided in the final product.
Purpose
Deliver incremental value to the user and customer, and provide a testable artifact for verification.
Relationships
RolesResponsible: Modified By:
Output From
Main Description

This working version of the system is the result of putting the implementation of the system through a build process (typically an automated build script) that creates an executable version of the system, or one that runs. This executable version of the system will typically have a number of supporting files that are also considered part of this composite artifact.

Properties
Optional
PlannedYes
Key Considerations

In an iterative lifecycle, each build must evolve from the previous iteration's build, adding more functionality and improving quality.

The purpose of early builds that minimize or eliminate a risk or verify architectural decisions is to achieve consistently stable builds in later iterations.

Tailoring
Reasons for not needing

There will always need to be an operational version of the system.

Representation Options

This work product is almost always a composite product made up of numerous parts required to make the executable system. Therefore a build is more than just executable files; it additionally includes such things as configuration files, help files, and data repositories that will be put together resulting in the product that will be run by the users. The specifics of those parts will vary by technology in use.

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