.Net .Net 3.5 Msbuild Nant

Is `nAnt` Still Supported and Suitable for `.NET 3.5` / `VS2008`?

When working with .NET projects, especially those developed in an older environment like .NET 3.5 and Visual Studio 2008, developers often face a pivotal decision: what build automation tool to use. One common question in this area is: is nAnt still supported and a strong alternative to MSBuild when using CruiseControl.NET (CCNET) as a build server?

Understanding the Context: MSBuild vs. nAnt

Before diving into the specifics of support and feature comparisons, let’s first understand what both MSBuild and nAnt offer:

MSBuild: This is the official build engine for .NET projects, appearing as a robust solution integrated directly into Visual Studio. It is designed to handle complex builds efficiently and is likely to continue receiving support from Microsoft.
nAnt: An adaptation of Apache Ant specifically for .NET, nAnt has a more traditional XML configuration and has historically focused on providing a flexible build framework. However, as mentioned, its last release appears to be a Beta that’s nearly a year old, leading to questions about its current support scenario.

Why Consider nAnt?

For those who still harbor interest in exploring nAnt over MSBuild, here are some reasons that could justify its use, despite the apparent decline in activity:

Familiarity: If you have been using nAnt for a long time, it may be beneficial to stick with it, especially if your previous projects were built using it.
Specific Features: nAnt could offer certain features or plugins that align with your specific project requirements that MSBuild currently lacks.

Why Stay with MSBuild?

If you’re comfortable with MSBuild, there are compelling reasons to stick with it:

Official Support: Being the recognized solution by Microsoft, it’s regularly updated and integrated with new features and improvements.
Integration with CCNET: Since CCNET has built-in support for MSBuild, this can simplify your project’s workflow.
Community and Documentation: MSBuild enjoys broader community support and better documentation, which can simplify troubleshooting and implementation.

Personal Preference

In the end, the choice between nAnt and MSBuild may come down to personal preference. Many developers find that the build tool they learned first becomes their tool of choice due to familiarity.

Comfort Level: The learning curve associated with switching from one tool to another can be significant, leading many developers to maintain consistency with the tools that they are comfortable using.
Community Perspectives: It’s also useful to see discussions within the developer community, such as forums and blogs, that reflect on the experiences of others who have navigated these tools. For example, discussions by Jeremy Miller highlight contrasting views and experiences with both MSBuild and nAnt.

Conclusion

Ultimately, if you are content with MSBuild, it is wise to continue using it, particularly given the official support and integration with CCNET. On the other hand, if you have existing projects with nAnt or specific needs that it fulfills, it might still be a valid choice.