What is one reason to automate the software build process?

Automating the software build process primarily improves the quality of the software by establishing a consistent and repeatable build environment. When automation is implemented, it minimizes human error, ensuring that builds are generated in a controlled manner without deviations that can arise from manual processes. This consistency allows teams to detect and resolve issues much earlier in the development cycle, leading to higher-quality software.

Additionally, automated builds often include various quality checks, such as unit tests and static code analysis, which can catch potential problems before the software reaches later stages of development. This proactive approach to quality assurance helps ensure the software meets the required standards and functions as intended.

In contrast, while reducing the cost of development could be a long-term result of improved processes and efficiencies, it isn’t the primary reason for automating builds. Manual testing is generally incompatible with the benefits of automation, as the goal is to minimize manual intervention. Finally, increasing the duration of builds would negate the advantages of automation, making it an unfavorable outcome.