Apache Ant is a software tool used for automating software build processes. It is a Java-based build tool that helps developers automate the process of compiling, testing, and packaging source code into executable files or libraries.

Ant uses XML (eXtensible Markup Language) to define build scripts, which are a set of instructions for Ant to execute. These scripts can include tasks such as compiling source code, running unit tests, generating documentation, and creating deployment packages.

Ant is platform-independent, meaning it can be used on any operating system that has Java installed. It is widely used in Java development projects but can also be used with other programming languages. Ant integrates well with popular development tools and frameworks, such as Eclipse and Apache Maven.

Some key features of Apache Ant include:

1. Task-based approach: Ant uses tasks to perform specific actions, such as compiling code or copying files.

2. Flexibility: Ant allows for the customization of build processes through the use of properties and conditions.

3. Portability: Ant scripts are platform-independent, meaning they can be used on any operating system with Java installed.

4. Extensibility: Ant can be extended through the use of custom tasks and build files, allowing developers to tailor build processes to their specific needs.

5. Integration: Ant seamlessly integrates with other build tools, IDEs, and frameworks, making it widely adopted in the Java development community.

Overall, Apache Ant provides developers with a powerful and flexible build automation tool that helps streamline the software development process.