Build tools seem to have a short life span.  

Why is this?

I'm currently using the Gradle build tool - because the good people at Skip.tools seem to use Gradle in the Android App space.  I don't know how long Gradle has been around... but I do remember back before it existed.

Build tools I can remember:

• Ant

• Make - unix build tool.... then Windows...

• Maven

• Gradle

• MSBuild

• Preforce

• Rake

• Automake (GNU build)

• CruiseControl

• Jenkins

• Hudson

Check out the Wiki article.  I'm sure I've forgotten a few...

But why so many tools to run the compiler and create an executable?

You can quote me:  "Outdated tech - I predict that your favorite build tool will one day be replaced - much like the flying car has replaced the traffic jams of the interstate highway system."