How to automate Build/Release definitions in TFS 2018?

Question

I wish to automate management of my Build/Release definitions, for easy backup/restore operations.

How can I do this in TFS 2018? I'm open to using either the REST API or the SDK, although I prefer the SDK whenever possible.

--EDIT--

This is for TFS, not VSTS

Answer 1

In TFS 2018 and later versions, it supports export/import build/release definitions directly. Build/Release definitions are implemented internally as .json files, so you can see details on changes in the file's history:

Check the following release note:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/releasenotes/tfs2018-relnotes#buildimport

Or you can use TFS REST API to get build and release definitions:

• TFS build definition
• TFS release definition

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Adding a screenshot of how to check build definition history: