Continuous Delivery: Reliable Software Releases through Build, Test, and Deployment Automation

by David Farley

In larger or more widely spread teams, this isn’t always easy. Under these circumstances it is useful to have someone to play the role of a “build master.” Their job is to oversee and direct the maintenance of the build, but also to encourage and enforce build discipline. If a build breaks, the build master notices and gently—or not gently if it has been a while—reminds the culprit of their responsibility to the team to fix the build quickly or back out their changes. Another situation where we have found this role useful is in teams new to continuous integration. In such teams, build discipline is not yet ingrained, so reminders are needed to keep things on track. The build master should never be a permanent role. Team members should rotate through it, perhaps on a weekly basis. It’s good discipline—and an important learning experience—for everyone to try this role from time to time.

build master role should not be permanent