How Can a Lone PHP Developer Implement an Automated Deployment/Build/CI Cycle?

Setting Up a Deployment/Build/CI Cycle for PHP Projects

As a lone developer handling multiple PHP-based projects, automating the changes to your code base and transitioning to Continuous Integration (CI) can streamline your workflow and enable collaboration without significant restructuring.

Automated Build Cycle

Imagine a build cycle that includes the following steps:

1. SVN changeset check-in after local testing
2. Initiation of build process, modifying and preparing the code for upload
3. Automatic API documentation generation from the code base
4. Remote deployment via FTP with directory adjustments, chmodding, database imports, etc.
5. Running of unit tests and notification of results via email, RSS, or HTML output
6. Updating of an end-user changelog text file with a predefined section of the commit message
7. Potential integration of code metrics and style checking

Benefits from Peer Experiences and Resources

To enhance your setup, consider:

• Feedback and Experiences: Connect with individuals who have successfully implemented similar solutions to learn from their insights.
• Tutorials and Walkthroughs: Seek detailed step-by-step guidance on configuring your build cycle.
• Automated Solutions: Identify tools that provide maximum automation by creating templates for new projects.
• Product Recommendations: Explore recommended tools, such as phing/ant for building, phpUnderControl or Hudson for reporting, and more.

Considerations for Your Setup

When customizing your solution, keep in mind:

• Existing Environment: You work locally on Windows 7 and remotely on a LAMP stack, often with shared hosting without remote SSH capabilities.
• Self-Hosting: Set up your solutions in your own environment or explore hosted options that integrate seamlessly with your process.
• Simplicity and Flexibility: Prioritize ease of use while considering the ability to handle multiple projects and customize your setup.

Hudson as a Comprehensive Solution

Based on user feedback and thorough evaluation, Hudson emerges as a highly recommended tool that meets your requirements.

• Easy setup and customization
• Intuitive user interface with point-and-click updates
• Support for plugins to extend functionality
• Cross-platform compatibility

Setting up a Hudson server involves installing Java and configuring SVN access. Once running, you can set up projects with granular control over the build process, including triggering, code generation, unit tests, post-build actions, and more.

Remember to maintain build artefacts and carefully configure the display of build statuses to avoid overwhelming your dashboard.

By implementing a robust deployment/build/CI cycle, you can reduce manual labor, improve code quality, and streamline project development, especially in a collaborative setting.

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