After creating the new build file, the next natural step for me was setting up the build server. The build server's job is pretty simple, make stuff, and report on that stuff. In my case the stuff is a complete deployable versioned set of assemblies, and some test assemblies. There are a number of benefits to using a build system to automate and report on builds, and I have outlined some in my previous article, but expect more on that soon too. In our case, the build system will be running Cruisecontrol.net, pioneered by the thoughtworks wizards.

So what does it take to actually setup cruisecontrol.net? With 0.8, not a whole heck of alot. Download the binaries, extract them, and add a vdir to the webdashboard folder. Then create a ccnet.config file that looks something like this prototype I created, and sit back and watch your builds fly. When that's not enough, you can even add some flare to your builds :)