AWS CodeBuild vs AWS CodeStar: What are the differences?

Introduction

AWS CodeBuild and AWS CodeStar are two services provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that offer different functionalities relating to software development. In this comparison, we will outline the key differences between these two services.

1. Pricing Model: AWS CodeBuild operates on a pay-per-use pricing model, where users are billed only for the build time of their projects. On the other hand, AWS CodeStar provides a pricing model that includes the usage of multiple AWS services, such as AWS CodeCommit and AWS CodePipeline, in addition to AWS CodeBuild.

2. Level of Abstraction: AWS CodeStar is a higher-level service that aims to provide an integrated environment for full-stack development projects. It combines different AWS services and tools into a unified platform, allowing for easier project management. AWS CodeBuild, on the other hand, focuses solely on providing a scalable and fully managed build service, without the additional integrated features of CodeStar.

3. Project Templates: AWS CodeStar offers a wide range of project templates and pre-configured settings for various programming languages and frameworks. These templates allow developers to quickly set up and deploy their projects with a few clicks. In contrast, AWS CodeBuild does not provide predefined project templates. Users need to define their build settings manually or through scripts.

4. Customization and Flexibility: With AWS CodeStar, users have limited control over the underlying infrastructure and configuration settings. It is designed to simplify the development process by providing predefined settings and environments. On the other hand, AWS CodeBuild offers more customization options, allowing users to define their build environment, specify build commands, and integrate with other AWS services according to their specific requirements.

5. Integration with CI/CD Pipelines: AWS CodeStar integrates different AWS services, including AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodePipeline, and AWS CodeCommit, to provide a complete Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) solution. It offers a streamlined workflow for building, testing, and deploying applications. While AWS CodeBuild can be used as a standalone build service within a CI/CD pipeline, it does not provide the same level of integrated CI/CD features as CodeStar.

6. Collaboration and Team Management: AWS CodeStar includes features for team collaboration and management, such as role-based access control, collaboration tools, and project dashboards. These features enable multiple developers to work together on a project and streamline the development process. AWS CodeBuild, on the other hand, does not focus on collaboration or team management features. It primarily focuses on the build process itself.

In summary, AWS CodeBuild is a flexible and scalable build service that can be used as a standalone tool within a broader development process. It offers more customization options and control over the build environment. On the other hand, AWS CodeStar is an integrated platform that combines various AWS services for full-stack development projects, providing predefined settings, project templates, and collaboration features.