Bazel vs fastlane: What are the differences?

Introduction

In the world of software development, there are various tools and frameworks available to assist with the different stages of the development process. Two popular tools in this domain are Bazel and fastlane. While both serve as build automation tools, there are several key differences between them. In this Markdown-formatted document, we will highlight six of these differences, providing descriptions for each.

1. Language Support: Bazel primarily focuses on building code written in multiple programming languages, including but not limited to Java, C++, and Python. On the other hand, fastlane is more tailored towards automating the build and deployment processes of mobile applications developed specifically for iOS and Android platforms.

2. Build System Complexity: Bazel operates on a complex and sophisticated build system. It utilizes a directed acyclic graph (DAG) to calculate dependencies and parallelize builds efficiently. In contrast, fastlane has a simpler build system that is mainly oriented towards automating common tasks in the mobile application development workflow, such as code signing, deployment to app stores, and running tests.

3. Plugin Ecosystem: Bazel has a growing plugin ecosystem, which provides additional functionality and integration with other tools. These plugins extend Bazel's capabilities and offer features such as code coverage analysis, static analysis, and third-party library support. In contrast, fastlane promotes its own plugin ecosystem, offering a wide range of plugins specifically designed to enhance the build and deployment processes of iOS and Android applications.

4. Community and Documentation: Bazel has gained popularity over the years, primarily due to its usage within Google and its robust documentation. The Bazel community is active and provides extensive support through forums, GitHub repositories, and mailing lists. Fastlane, on the other hand, has a dedicated community focused on mobile application development. It offers comprehensive documentation, beginner-friendly guides, and a vibrant user community for sharing tips, tricks, and best practices.

5. Testing Support: Bazel incorporates a strong emphasis on testing, providing a testing framework that integrates well with its build system. It supports various testing methodologies, including unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests. Fastlane, while not primarily a testing tool, offers functionalities like running unit tests and capturing screenshots for iOS and Android applications.

6. Usage and Adoption: Bazel has gained traction primarily in large-scale projects with complex codebases and dependencies. Its wide adoption within Google and other tech giants showcases its capability to handle substantial codebases and optimize build times. Fastlane, on the other hand, has found its niche in the mobile app development community, boasting a large user base of iOS and Android developers who utilize it for streamlining their build and release processes.

In summary, Bazel is a versatile build automation tool focused on various programming languages, using a complex build system, boasting a growing plugin ecosystem, and widely adopted in large-scale projects. Fastlane, on the other hand, caters specifically to mobile app development, utilizing a simpler build system, offering an extensive plugin ecosystem, and harboring a dedicated user community.