Validation Actions: Correct Builds Off the Critical Path

This 11-minute Linux Foundation talk explores Bazel's validation actions feature, which performs correctness checks on build inputs and outputs through static analysis while minimizing performance impact. Learn how validation actions operate off the critical build path, running at the end of builds and in parallel with tests. Dive deep into the technical implementation developed over five years, examining key building blocks including output groups, aspects, and Bazel's build event protocol. See a practical demonstration of validation actions in action through Android Lint integration with Google's Android apps. The speakers, Kevin Bierhoff and Alex Humesky, also share best practices and potential future improvements for this powerful build verification tool.