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Build Systems ​

Notice

This page describes the old behavior of build systems. While it is still generally correct, refer to the official documentation for the up to date version. We are working on this.

Offical Documentation on Build Systems : Complete documentation on all available options, variables, etc.

Build systems let you run your files through external programs like make, tidy, interpreters, etc.

Executables called from build systems must be in your PATH.

File Format ​

Build systems are JSON files and have the extension .sublime-build.

Example ​

Here's an example of a build system:

js
{
    "cmd": ["python", "-u", "$file"],
    "file_regex": "^[ ]*File \"(...*?)\", line ([0-9]*)",
    "selector": "source.python"
}

cmd : Required. This option contains the actual command line to be executed.

bash
python -u /path/to/current/file.ext

file_regex : A Perl-style regular expression to capture error information from an external program's output. This information is used to help you navigate through error instances with F4".

selector : If the Tools | Build System | Automatic option is set, Sublime Text will automatically find the corresponding build system for the active file by matching selector to the file's scope.

In addition to options, you can use some variables in build systems too, as we have done above with $file, which expands to the active buffer's filename.

Where to Store Build Systems ​

Build systems must be located somewhere under the Packages folder (e.g. Packages/User). Many packages include their own build systems.

Running Build Systems ​

Build systems can be run by pressing F7 or from Tools → Build.