Build environments for software can be constructed. For example, a computing device can receive a file indicating a first software component to be installed in a build environment and a second software component to be built in the build environment. The computing device can perform a first setup phase for creating part of the build environment by causing the first software component to be installed in the build environment. The computing device can also determine that the first setup phase is complete. Based on determining that the first setup phase is complete, the computing device can perform a second setup phase for completing the build environment by causing the second software component to be built in the build environment.