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+.. _build_targets:
+
+=============
+Build Targets
+=============
+
+When you build with ``mach build``, there are some special targets that can be
+built. This page attempts to document them.
+
+Partial Tree Targets
+====================
+
+The targets in this section only build part of the tree. Please note that
+partial tree builds can be unreliable. Use at your own risk.
+
+export
+ Build the *export* tier. The *export* tier builds everything that is
+ required for C/C++ compilation. It stages all header files, processes
+ IDLs, etc.
+
+compile
+ Build the *compile* tier. The *compile* tier compiles all C/C++ files.
+
+libs
+ Build the *libs* tier. The *libs* tier performs linking and performs
+ most build steps which aren't related to compilation.
+
+tools
+ Build the *tools* tier. The *tools* tier mostly deals with supplementary
+ tools and compiled tests. It will link tools against libXUL, including
+ compiled test binaries.
+
+binaries:
+ Recompiles and relinks C/C++ files. Only works after a complete normal
+ build, but allows for much faster rebuilds of C/C++ code. For performance
+ reasons, however, it skips nss, nspr, icu and ffi. This is targeted to
+ improve local developer workflow when touching C/C++ code.
+
+install-manifests
+ Process install manifests. Install manifests handle the installation of
+ files into the object directory.
+
+ Unless ``NO_REMOVE=1`` is defined in the environment, files not accounted
+ in the install manifests will be deleted from the object directory.
+
+install-tests
+ Processes the tests install manifest.
+
+Common Actions
+==============
+
+The targets in this section correspond to common build-related actions. Many
+of the actions in this section are effectively frontends to shell scripts.
+These actions will likely all be replaced by mach commands someday.
+
+buildsymbols
+ Create a symbols archive for the current build.
+
+ This must be performed after a successful build.
+
+check
+ Run build system tests.