sbt
sbt is a free, open-source build tool for Scala, Java, and more.
What sbt is
sbt is a free, open-source build tool for Scala, Java, and more. Build definitions use Scala code, allowing project build logic to use Scala’s flexibility. sbt manages libraries through Coursier and supports accurate incremental recompilation using compiler information. Continuous compilation and testing can run when changes trigger those tasks, and tasks can execute in parallel, including tests. Testing integrations include ScalaCheck, specs, and ScalaTest; JUnit is available through a plugin. sbt runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and requires JDK 8 or later. Downloads include universal ZIP and TGZ archives, Windows MSI installers, and SHA-256 and PGP signature files. The project directs community questions to the sbt tag on Stack Overflow and the #sbt channel on Scala Discord. The homepage credits the Scala Center, an open-source foundation and EPFL unit.
Good
- Open-source tool with a free free plan
- Scala-based build definitions
- Coursier library management
- Incremental recompilation support
- Parallel compilation and test execution
Watch out
- Requires JDK 8 or later
- JUnit support requires a plugin
- No free trial is listed
Who it suits
It suits developers building Scala or Java projects across Linux, macOS, or Windows. Teams needing Scala-based build definitions, dependency management, incremental compilation, and parallel tasks may find it appropriate.
Verdict
sbt provides Scala-defined builds, dependency handling, incremental recompilation, and continuous or parallel workflows at no cost. Its multi-platform packages and documented testing integrations cover common Scala and Java development setups.
Plans and prices
From sbt's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| sbt | Free | Build tool for Scala, Java, and more · JDK 8 or later |
The facts
Each one read from sbt's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Build definitions
- Build definitions use Scala code and can use its full flexibility.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Community support
- The project recommends the sbt tag on Stack Overflow for community support and also points users to the #sbt channel on Scala Discord.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Continuous workflows
- sbt supports continuous compilation and testing with triggered execution.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Dependency management
- sbt supports library management using Coursier.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Downloads
- The download page provides universal ZIP and TGZ packages, Windows MSI installers, and SHA-256 and PGP signature files.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Incremental compilation
- sbt supports accurate incremental recompilation using information extracted from the compiler.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Parallel tasks
- sbt supports parallel task execution, including parallel test execution.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Project status
- The project describes sbt as open source and encourages everyone to get involved.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- sbt is a build tool for Scala, Java, and more.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Requirements
- The user guide says sbt requires JDK 8 or later.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Testing
- sbt supports ScalaCheck, specs, and ScalaTest; JUnit is supported by a plugin.checked 11 Oct 2001
The company
- Maker
- The sbt homepage credits the Scala Center; the Center describes itself as an open source foundation and a unit within EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland.checked 11 Oct 2001
Alternatives to sbt
- 1
AWS CodeBuild
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS7.9From $0.01 a month - 2
fastlane
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.4Free plan - 3
Nx
Free planWebLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted7.2From $29 a month - 4
Bazel
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.7Free plan - 5
FASTBuild
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.6Free plan - 6
Open Build Service
Free planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted6.6Free plan