Apache ant data types

In Apache Ant, there are several built-in data types that can be used to represent different types of data in a build file. These data types provide a way to store and manipulate data in a structured way that is specific to the needs of the build process. Here are some of the most commonly used data types in Ant:

  1. "FileSet": A file set is a collection of files that match a set of include and exclude patterns. File sets are used to specify input and output files for tasks such as "copy", "delete", and "jar".

  2. "Path": A path is a collection of file and directory references that can be used to specify classpaths, source directories, and other types of file paths. Paths can be constructed from file sets or individual file and directory references.

  3. "Property": A property is a named value that can be used to store configuration data and other types of values. Properties can be defined in the build file or loaded from a property file.

  4. "PatternSet": A pattern set is a collection of include and exclude patterns that can be used to filter files based on their names or other attributes.

  5. "Mapper": A mapper is used to map input files to output files based on a set of rules. Mappers are commonly used in tasks such as "copy" and "move" to specify how the input files should be transformed to produce the output files.

  6. "Resource": A resource is a reference to a file or other type of resource that can be used to specify input and output files for tasks such as "copy" and "delete". Resources can be defined using file sets or individual file and directory references.

Using these data types can make it easier to work with different types of data in a build file and provide a more structured way to manage input and output files, configuration data, and other types of data that are needed in the build process.