A build definition file is a an XML document that specifies how to build and customize the customized installation package (CIP) for the product. The build definition file describes exactly what features the Installation Factory includes in the CIP for you to achieve a customized installation.
Before you can create a customized installation package (CIP), you must create a build definition file for the CIP. The Build Definition wizard, from within the Installation Factory graphical user interface (GUI), steps you through the process of creating a build definition file. You can also use the wizard to modify an existing build definition file.
Each panel in the Build Definition wizard prompts you for information about the CIP. For example, panels prompt you to provide the package identification, the build information, and the location of maintenance packages. Another panel requests the location for generating the CIP. All of this information is saved in the new build definition file, or modified and saved in an existing build definition file that you are changing. For further details, read about the panel definitions in the WebSphere Application Server Information Center.
To use the Build Definition wizard to create a build definition file and then generate the customized installation package (CIP), use the ifgui command from the bin directory to launch the GUI. To create only the build definition file, you can use the command-line interface tool to generate the CIP outside of the GUI. Refer to the actual steps to create a build definition file for more information on the wizard.