View source for FAQ What is the use of the build.xml file?

The <tt>build.xml</tt> file is an Ant script that is created by the PDE to take your plug-in components and combine them into a deployable format. This file compiles and archives your plug-in source code into a single JAR file. The <tt>build.properties</tt> file controls what goes into your plug-in distribution.

The <tt>build.xml</tt> file can be created by using the context  menu on <tt>plugin.xml</tt> and selecting '''PDE Tools &gt; Create Ant Build File'''.

Ant build files are low-level mechanisms to package up plug-ins. A much easier  way to share and deploy plug-ins is to create a feature for your plug-in and then an update site. The Update Site Editor has a very handy button, '''Build All...''', that will create the <tt>build.xml</tt> behind the scenes, run it, and collect all the output without cluttering your plug-in and feature projects.

== See Also: ==
*[[FAQ When is the build.xml script executed?]]
*[[FAQ How do I create a feature?]]
*[[FAQ How do I create an update site (site.xml)?]]
*[[FAQ What is Ant?]]