Build is the process of converting source code into a runnable application. During the build process, the source code is compiled, required libraries are added, and an executable file is created.
Build tools like Maven, Gradle, and Ant automate this process by compiling the code, running basic tests, and creating files such as JAR, WAR, or EAR.
In simple words, a build transforms your source code into an application that can be tested and deployed.