A blog describing the features and benefits of CI/CD.
CI/CD is a hot topic in the DevOps world. CI stands for Continuous Integration: CD stands for Continuous Delivery.
CI/CD is the practice of continuously integrating code changes into an application, then quickly delivering new versions of that app to users. CI/CD helps organizations reduce their time to market with new features by automating tasks like testing and deployment. CI/CD also makes it easier to release frequently, keeping customers engaged and reducing costs associated with maintaining old software versions.
This allows developers to deliver code changes more frequently and more reliably through “the CI/CD pipeline”.
- Continuous integration.
- Continuous delivery.
- Continuous deployment.
It’s an Agile philosophy Best Practice- https://www.creativestack.co.uk/agile-scrum/ – that lets software development teams concentrate on the quality of code and other deliverables, safe in the knowledge the deployment side of things is automated.
Let’s take a closer look at the specific benefits it brings to the table and break down who this methodology best serves.
Benefits of CI/CD
CI/CD performs tasks automatically, so there are fewer chances of human errors. If your company adopts practices for CI/CD, then they can…
- Deliver the software with little risk because the CI/CD pipelines are standardized to release processes across the whole project. In addition, testing on each change in source code will reduce the bugs.
- Frequently release new features because the CI/CD pipeline visualizes your process on a single screen. You can navigate at any stage for optimization of your process.
- Deliver your product according to users’ requirements. For example, sometimes more updates will lead to more users’ feedback- helping perform A/B testing by real end-users.
- Less risk and more frequent updates, culminating in more engaged and satisfied customers.
Challenges to CI/CD
CI/CD requires cultural AND technical changes to move towards new automated technologies. If developers can’t address these challenges separately, questions soon arise regarding team planning. Here’s how these challenges usually occur (and how to solve them):
– Cultural challenges
Changes in the code are tough going, and frequently checking code creates a big shift for the developer. If developers don’t have cultural dependencies in their organization continuous integration is nigh-on impossible.
– Technical challenges
Continuous integration and continuous delivery are not possible without technical changes in the software industry. CI/CD mainly depends on automated tools to check if the code is integrated into the repository and merged into the main code during the delivery process. If you don’t have automated tools, it is impossible to constantly check-in and deliver code.
Tips for solving cultural and technical challenges
- Build collaboration and trust among the team members. Unity across the organization helps cooperation and shared knowledge. It must be an ethos permeating every level of the company: if you’re not all on the same page, if there are communication issues or a disconnect between parts of the team, it will catch up with you sooner rather than later.
- Consider failure as a learning experience. Use it not just as a chastening experience but as an opportunity to improve and learn. Encourage developers to take the risks that lead towards the real growth and innovation in an organization.
- Perform everything by using automation. An automated infrastructure based on source code management tools and automated servers helps developers build, test, and deploy software products reliably and quickly.
When CI/CD is not suitable?
CI/CD provides a significant impact on your system, but there ARE certain situations when CD does not make it as suitable.
- When continuous updates in software are not encouraged by customers.
- Where rules and regulations restrict when a software update is required, for example, continuous updates in software in telecom, aerospace, and medical are not viable.
Summary:
CI/CD is a great way to ensure your company’s software stays updated and running smoothly. It has many benefits for both developers and customers alike, but the best option for you depends on what you’re trying to accomplish with your product.
It requires cultural changes and technical adjustments to make its implementation successful; however, if it aligns with your goals, it does deliver more frequent updates without sacrificing stability or quality.
Greg Whitfield.
