Continuous Deployment (CD): Goals, Advantages & Tools

DevOps Philosophy by Padok

• Purpose: Accelerate delivery of quality features to users.
• Strategy:
  • Accelerate development and release.
  • Implement automated test chains.
  • Simplify developers' operations (focusing on code, not Ops issues).
• Collaboration: Essential between Ops and Developers to align tools and processes.

Continuous Deployment (CD)

• Definition:
  • Continuation of Continuous Integration (CI).
  • Automates deployment actions previously done manually.
• Requirement: Automated testing in the qualification environment to ensure functionality.

Continuous Deployment vs Continuous Delivery

• Continuous Deployment: Automates all deployment steps, including production launch.
• Continuous Delivery: Automates all but the final production launch step.

Advantages of Continuous Deployment and Delivery

• Developers:
  • Less tedious deployments.
  • Automated tasks.
  • Quick validation of code functionality.
  • Reduced risk of errors and increased reliability due to fewer manual actions.
• Company:
  • Increased production release frequency.
  • Reduced time-to-market.
  • Faster innovation, providing competitive advantage.

Continuous Deployment Tools

• Common with CI Tools:
  • Jenkins: Open-source, Java-based, highly extendable via plugins.
  • Travis CI: Free for open-source, integrates with GitHub.
  • GitLab CI: Integrated with GitLab, supports local test runs.
  • Circle CI: Integrates with GitHub and Bitbucket (not GitLab).
  • TeamCity: Simple to install and use, free of charge.

Conclusion

• Continuous deployment aligns with the goal of continuous delivery.
• Requires a pre-existing continuous integration process.
• Numerous CI/CD tools available, selection depends on project needs.
• For further CI/CD implementation guidance, contact Padok.