Ant is a build automation tool used primarily in Java development. It's an XML-based system for defining build targets and dependencies, allowing developers to automate the process of compiling, packaging, testing, and deploying their code, similar to Make but with XML-based configuration files that look like they were designed by a masochist.

How to use it in a sentence

• "I need to update the Ant build script to include the new third-party library we've decided to shoehorn into the project at the last minute because the CEO's golfing buddy recommended it."

• "I spent all day debugging an issue with the Ant build only to discover that someone had accidentally checked in a config file with hardcoded paths to their local machine, because apparently using environment variables is too much to ask."

If you actually want to learn more...

• Apache Ant Tutorial: This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of Ant, including installation, basic concepts, and examples of how to use it in your projects, assuming you haven't already rage-quit and switched to Maven or Gradle.

• Ant Best Practices: This article covers best practices for using Ant, such as organizing your build files, using properties and targets effectively, and managing dependencies, which should help you avoid some of the more common pitfalls and reduce the number of hours you'll spend cursing at your computer screen.

• Ant vs Maven vs Gradle: This article compares Ant to other popular build tools like Maven and Gradle, helping you make an informed decision about which one to use in your next project, or more likely, which one to begrudgingly accept because it's already being used in your current project and no one wants to go through the hassle of switching.

Note: the Developer Dictionary is in Beta. Please direct feedback to skye@statsig.com.