Where does the build (compile) come from?

The build (compilation) of software appears as a result of an automated process of compiling source code, linking libraries and resources. This process is usually performed using special software — a build system such as Maven, Gradle, CMake, or continuous integration/delivery tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, CircleCI.

After a successful build, an executable file, package, or distribution is generated, ready for deployment or testing.

Thus, the build appears:

• From the source code repository: Developers commit changes to a version control system (e.g., Git).
• Initiated by the CI/CD system: Changes in the repository trigger the build pipeline.
• Performed by the build system: Compilation and linking tools process the source files.
• Resulting in a ready artifact: An executable file, installer package, or image.