build once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to software development or engineering, where the idea is to create something that can be reused multiple times without needing to be rebuilt. Example: "With our new framework, we can build once and deploy across multiple platforms seamlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

During the current American expansion wage pressures only started to build once unemployment dropped below 5.5%.

The Economist

But I'm going to buy a piece of land and build once in my life.

The New York Times

The LHC cost SFr10 billion ($10 billion) to build, once the full cost of the detectors themselves is included.

The Economist

Some time later, the Americans will build, once again, a police station and government center and help dozens of Afghan police officers and a subgovernor move in.

The New York Times

These would be undertakings of many billions of dollars, and Mr. Cuomo said they would take years to build — once they were started.

The New York Times

"If the saying is check twice and build once, this was more like build twice and check once," Aboulafia said to me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The anticipation builds once again as you move toward the building's central courtyard, a dreamy cylindrical space that is dominated by a grand staircase.

The New York Times - Arts

Also on the drawing board are a hotel, a condominium residential building and a Venetian-style pedestrian plaza that would be built once 2 Center Street proved viable.

The New York Times

The Ruland Road homes would also be built once a plan is approved, he said.

The New York Times

Still Mr. Lewis expressed optimism about the conglomerate he has built, once the economy recovers.

The New York Times

Protesters have very rarely prevented a road from being built once the physical work has begun.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "build once" in contexts where reusability and efficiency are key considerations, particularly in software development, engineering, and manufacturing.

Common error

Avoid using "build once" if the application requires significant modifications or adaptations for each deployment environment. Ensure that the 'single build' truly serves multiple purposes without substantial rework.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build once" functions primarily as a directive or principle, often used in technical fields to emphasize efficiency and reusability. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts related to software development and construction projects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build once" is a principle that advocates for creating a single, reusable solution across multiple deployments, commonly applied in software development and construction. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily functions as a directive emphasizing efficiency. While "build once" is mostly used in news and media, science and academia also present considerable usage. When using the phrase, be sure to clarify what the single build encompasses to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create once

Focuses on the act of creation rather than the construction aspect.

develop once

Specifically emphasizes the development phase, especially in software contexts.

design once

Highlights the design phase as the single point of creation.

implement once

Emphasizes the implementation stage, suggesting a single implementation for multiple uses.

write once

Particularly relevant in coding, focusing on writing code that can be reused.

code once

Similar to "write once" but more specific to the act of coding.

construct once

Broader than "build", including abstract constructions.

engineer once

Highlights the engineering aspect of creating a reusable component.

program once

Focuses on programming and creating reusable software components.

author once

Emphasizes the authoring of content for multiple platforms.

FAQs

What does "build once deploy everywhere" mean in software development?

It refers to the concept of creating a single version of an application that can run on various platforms or devices without needing to be rewritten or reconfigured. This is often achieved through technologies like containers or cross-platform frameworks.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "build once"?

It's suitable when discussing systems or components designed for reuse across different environments or applications, particularly in software engineering, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects.

What are the benefits of a "build once" approach?

It reduces development time and costs, ensures consistency across different deployments, and simplifies maintenance and updates. The aim is to maximize efficiency and minimize redundancy.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "build once"?

You can use alternatives like "create once", "develop once", or "design once" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.