How can I offload a build to a server to stay productive?

Question

I have several large projects that I work on. Depending on the project and options, build times are from 10-100 minutes long, rendering me useless for that time.

I do have a few extra computers laying around however. Is there anyway that I can configure these computers as 'compile nodes' so that I can still work while a build is going on?

I've heard of software plugins for Visual Studio for doing this, but I've seen the price tags. I'm looking for something that's preferably free or under $100-ish.

Answer 1

You could set up a free TeamCity continuous integration build server.

Answer 2

Too much slacking off?

Answer 3

You could just hook them up and set up a local area network couldn't you? If you wanted to just do it quick and dirty. Set up a compiler on each machine, and just send the code through your local series of tubes, compile on one of your build machines and continue working.

Answer 4

I love Hudson (http://hudson-ci.org/). It is feature-reach, stable and free. It's primarily focused on Java, but can be easily be used to build non-java projects