Toolchain

Sometimes the term is used for a set of related tools that are not necessarily executed sequentially.

[1][2][3] A relatively common and simple toolchain consists of the tools to build for a particular operating system (OS) and CPU architecture; consisting of a compiler, a linker, and a debugger.

With a cross-compiler, a toolchain can support cross-platform development.

For building more complex software systems, many other tools may be in the toolchain.

For example, for a video game, the toolchain may include tools for preparing sound effects, music, textures, 3-dimensional models and animations, and for combining these resources into the finished product.