DevOps: Integrate SCons Build System for Advanced Build Management #16
Description
Feature Overview
Integrate SCons build system to provide advanced build management, automated asset processing, cross-platform compilation, and sophisticated dependency tracking for Continuum development and CI/CD workflows.
Problem Statement
Currently, Continuum relies on Godot's built-in export system and manual build processes, which creates limitations for:
- Advanced Build Automation: Complex build pipelines beyond basic export
- Asset Processing: Automated optimization and conversion of game assets
- Cross-Platform Management: Unified build configuration across platforms
- Dependency Tracking: Intelligent rebuilds based on file changes
- CI/CD Integration: Professional build orchestration in automated pipelines
- Custom Build Steps: Pre/post-processing tasks not available in Godot export
Proposed Solution
Implement SCons Build System Integration that:
- Wraps Godot Export: Orchestrates Godot's export process with additional automation
- Manages Assets: Automated asset processing, optimization, and validation
- Handles Dependencies: Intelligent dependency tracking and incremental builds
- Supports Platforms: Unified cross-platform build configuration
- Integrates CI/CD: Professional build system for automated pipelines
SCons Architecture Design
Core Build Structure
- SConstruct (Main build file)
- SConscript files for modular builds
- site_scons/ (Custom build tools and utilities)
- build_config/ (Platform and target configurations)
- tools/ (Custom build scripts and asset processors)
Build Target Hierarchy
- Development Builds: Debug builds with profiling and hot-reload
- Release Builds: Optimized production builds for distribution
- Platform Builds: Platform-specific builds (Desktop, Mobile, Web)
- CI Builds: Automated builds with comprehensive validation
- Package Builds: Complete distribution packages with installers
Asset Processing Pipeline
- Audio Validation: Verify procedural audio system integrity
- Scene Optimization: Automated scene file optimization
- Script Validation: GDScript syntax and style validation
- Resource Packaging: Intelligent resource bundling and compression
Technical Implementation
Phase 1: Core SCons Integration (1-2 weeks)
- Basic SConstruct file and build environment setup
- Godot export integration and wrapper functions
- Simple dependency tracking implementation
- Basic platform configuration system
Phase 2: Asset Processing System (1-2 weeks)
- Asset validation and processing pipeline
- GDScript validation and optimization tools
- Scene integrity checking and optimization
- Procedural audio system validation integration
Phase 3: Advanced Build Features (2-3 weeks)
- Multi-platform build management
- Custom build actions and hooks
- Advanced dependency tracking and caching
- Performance optimization and parallel builds
Phase 4: CI/CD Integration (1 week)
- GitHub Actions workflow enhancement
- Automated artifact generation and upload
- Build reporting and monitoring setup
- Documentation and team training
Build Configuration Examples
Development Build Targets
- scons build-dev # Debug build with profiling
- scons build-dev debug=yes # Maximum debug information
- scons build-dev profiling=yes # Enable performance profiling
- scons build-dev hot-reload=yes # Enable hot-reload features
Release Build Targets
- scons build-release # Optimized release build
- scons build-release platform=all # Build for all platforms
- scons build-release sign=yes # Build with code signing
- scons package-release # Create distribution packages
Asset Processing Targets
- scons process-assets # Process and optimize all assets
- scons validate-assets # Validate asset integrity
- scons compress-assets # Apply asset compression
Quality Assurance Targets
- scons validate # Run all validation checks
- scons test # Execute test suite
- scons lint # Code quality checks
- scons security-scan # Security vulnerability scan
Expected Benefits
Development Workflow Improvements
- Faster Iteration: Incremental builds based on actual file changes
- Automated Validation: Pre-build checks prevent broken builds
- Asset Management: Automated asset processing and optimization
- Platform Consistency: Unified build process across all platforms
CI/CD Pipeline Enhancement
- Professional Builds: Enterprise-grade build system integration
- Parallel Processing: Multi-core build optimization
- Build Caching: Intelligent caching for faster CI/CD pipelines
- Artifact Management: Sophisticated build artifact handling
Quality Assurance
- Automated Testing: Integrated test execution in build pipeline
- Asset Validation: Comprehensive asset integrity checking
- Build Verification: Multi-stage build validation process
- Dependency Tracking: Accurate rebuild decisions based on changes
Integration with Existing Systems
Godot Integration
- Export Presets: SCons orchestrates existing Godot export presets
- Project Structure: No changes to existing project organization
- Development Workflow: Optional SCons usage - Godot editor still works
- Asset Pipeline: Enhanced but compatible with Godot asset system
Testing Integration
- gdUnit4 Integration: Automated test execution in build pipeline
- Quality Gates: Build fails if tests don't pass
- Test Reports: Comprehensive test reporting and artifact generation
- Performance Testing: Automated performance validation
Acceptance Criteria
Functional Requirements
- SCons successfully orchestrates Godot export for all platforms
- Incremental builds work correctly based on file dependencies
- Asset processing pipeline validates and optimizes game assets
- All existing development workflows continue to work
Performance Requirements
- Build times equal or faster than manual Godot export
- Incremental builds significantly faster than full rebuilds
- Parallel processing utilizes available CPU cores effectively
- CI/CD pipeline completion time improved or maintained
Integration Requirements
- Compatible with existing Godot project structure
- Integrates with current testing framework (gdUnit4)
- Works with existing GitHub Actions workflows
- Supports all current target platforms
Priority: Medium - Enhances development workflow and CI/CD capabilities
Complexity: Medium-High - Requires SCons expertise and Godot integration
Impact: High - Significantly improves build automation and development efficiency
Risk: Medium - Build system changes require careful validation
This SCons integration will provide professional-grade build automation while maintaining compatibility with Continuum's existing development workflow and innovative technical architecture.