Using Zig Build to Create a Release Build Step

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 15 views

Introduction

In software development, releasing a new version of an application can be a complex and time-consuming process. It involves building the application for multiple platforms and architectures, creating a changelog, and ensuring that the release is properly documented. In this article, we will explore how to use the zig build capability to create a release build step that also generates a changelog using git-cliff.

What is Zig?

Zig is a general-purpose programming language that is designed to be fast, reliable, and easy to use. It is a systems programming language that is similar to C and C++, but with a more modern and expressive syntax. One of the key features of Zig is its ability to build applications for multiple platforms and architectures using a single codebase.

Using Zig Build to Create a Release Build Step

The zig build command is a powerful tool that allows developers to build their applications for multiple platforms and architectures. It is also possible to use zig build to create a release build step that includes additional tasks, such as generating a changelog.

To create a release build step using zig build, you will need to add a new target to your build.zig file. This target will be responsible for building the application for release and generating a changelog.

Here is an example of how you might add a release build target to your build.zig file:

const std = @import("std");

pub fn build(b: *std.build.Builder) !void {
    const target = b.standardTargetOptions(.{});
    const mode = b.standardReleaseOptions();

    const exe = b.addExecutable(.{
        .name = "my_app",
        .root_source_file = .{ .path = "src/main.zig" },
        .target = target,
        .optimize = mode,
    });

    const run_cmd = exe.run();
    run_cmd.step.dependOn(b.getInstallStep());

    const run_step = b.step("run", "Run the app");
    run_step.dependOn(&run_cmd.step);

    const release_step = b.step("release", "Create a release build");
    release_step.dependOn(&run_cmd.step);

    const changelog_step = b.step("changelog", "Generate a changelog");
    changelog_step.dependOn(&release_step.step);

    const release_cmd = b.addSystemCommand(.{
        .name = "release",
        .args = &[_][]const u8{
            "zig",
            "build",
            "-c",
            "release",
        },
    });
    release_cmd.step.dependOn(&changelog_step.step);

    const release_step_final = b.step("release_final", "Finalize the release");
    release_step_final.dependOn(&release_cmd.step);
}

In this example, we have added three new steps to the build process: release, changelog, and release_final. The release step is responsible for building the application for release, while the changelog step is responsible for generating a changelog using git-cliff. The release_final step is responsible for finalizing the release process.

Using Git-Cliff to Generate a Changelog

Git-Cliff is a tool that allows developers to generate a changelog from their Git commit history. It is a powerful tool that can be used to create a changelog that is both informative and easy to read.

To use Git-Cliff to generate a changelog, you will need to add a new step to your build process. This step will be responsible for running the git-cliff command and generating a changelog.

Here is an example of how you might add a changelog step to your build process:

const changelog_step = b.step("changelog", "Generate a changelog");
changelog_step.dependOn(&release_step.step);

const changelog_cmd = b.addSystemCommand(.{
    .name = "changelog",
    .args = &[_][]const u8{
        "git",
        "cliff",
        "release",
        "--output",
        "CHANGELOG.md",
    },
});
changelog_cmd.step.dependOn(&changelog_step.step);

In this example, we have added a new step to the build process called changelog. This step is responsible for running the git-cliff command and generating a changelog. The --output option is used to specify the output file for the changelog.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored how to use the zig build capability to create a release build step that also generates a changelog using git-cliff. We have seen how to add a new target to the build.zig file to create a release build step, and how to use git-cliff to generate a changelog.

By following the steps outlined in this article, developers can automate the build and changelog process for their applications, making it easier to release new versions and keep their users informed about changes to the application.

Release Process

The release process is a critical part of the software development lifecycle. It involves building the application for release, generating a changelog, and finalizing the release process.

Here is an overview of the release process:

Build the application for release: Use the zig build command to build the application for release.
Generate a changelog: Use git-cliff to generate a changelog from the Git commit history.
Finalize the release process: Use the release_final step to finalize the release process.

Benefits of Using a Release Generator

Using a release generator can have several benefits, including:

Automated build and changelog process: The release generator can automate the build and changelog process, making it easier to release new versions of the application.
Improved accuracy: The release generator can ensure that the changelog is accurate and up-to-date, reducing the risk of errors or omissions.
Increased efficiency: The release generator can save time and effort by automating the build and changelog process, allowing developers to focus on other tasks.

Best Practices for Using a Release Generator

Here are some best practices for using a release generator:

Use a consistent naming convention: Use a consistent naming convention for the release generator, such as release_generator.
Document the release process: Document the release process, including the steps involved and any dependencies or prerequisites.
Test the release generator: Test the release generator thoroughly to ensure that it is working correctly and producing the expected output.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored how to use the zig build capability to create a release build step that also generates a changelog using git-cliff. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about using a release generator.

Q: What is a release generator?

A: A release generator is a tool that automates the build and changelog process for software applications. It uses the zig build command to build the application for release and git-cliff to generate a changelog.

Q: Why do I need a release generator?

A: A release generator can save time and effort by automating the build and changelog process. It can also ensure that the changelog is accurate and up-to-date, reducing the risk of errors or omissions.

Q: How do I use a release generator?

A: To use a release generator, you will need to add a new target to your build.zig file. This target will be responsible for building the application for release and generating a changelog. You will also need to add a new step to your build process to run the git-cliff command and generate a changelog.

Q: What are the benefits of using a release generator?

A: The benefits of using a release generator include:

Automated build and changelog process: The release generator can automate the build and changelog process, making it easier to release new versions of the application.
Improved accuracy: The release generator can ensure that the changelog is accurate and up-to-date, reducing the risk of errors or omissions.
Increased efficiency: The release generator can save time and effort by automating the build and changelog process, allowing developers to focus on other tasks.

Q: How do I customize the release generator?

A: To customize the release generator, you will need to modify the build.zig file to add a new target and step. You will also need to modify the git-cliff command to generate a changelog that meets your needs.

Q: Can I use a release generator with other build tools?

A: Yes, you can use a release generator with other build tools, such as cmake or meson. However, you will need to modify the build.zig file to add a new target and step, and modify the git-cliff command to generate a changelog.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with the release generator?

A: To troubleshoot issues with the release generator, you will need to check the build logs and changelog to identify any errors or issues. You can also use the zig build command with the --verbose option to get more detailed information about the build process.

Q: Can I use a release generator with a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline?

A: Yes, you can use a release generator with a CI/CD pipeline. In fact, a release generator can be a key component of a CI/CD pipeline, automating the build and changelog process and ensuring that the application is released quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a release generator is a powerful tool that can automate the build and changelog process for software applications. By following the steps outlined in this article, developers can create a release generator that is both efficient and accurate.