One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates modifying a platform-independent programming language build tool to aid in the development and testing of smart card applications. The system operates by creating a task in the platform-independent programming language build tool that allows a user to perform functions associated with the development and testing of smart card applications. Next, the system extends the platform-independent programming language build tool interface to include the task so that the task is executable by the user. Note that making the task part of the platform-independent programming language build tool interface reduces the overhead involved in performing functions associated with developing and testing smart card applications.