A continuous delivery pipeline is a series of automated processes that enable software teams to build, test, and deploy code changes quickly and efficiently. These processes are typically divided into several stages, each of which represents a different step in the development cycle.
One of the first stages of a continuous delivery pipeline is the build stage. In this stage, the pipeline automatically compiles the codebase, runs any necessary pre-processing steps, and creates a build artifact that can be deployed to a testing or production environment. This stage also typically includes static code analysis, which checks the code for common problems such as syntax errors or style violations.
The next stage in a continuous delivery pipeline is the test stage. In this stage, the pipeline automatically runs a suite of tests on the code to ensure that it is working as intended. This can include unit tests, integration tests, and other types of tests that are designed to verify the functionality and reliability of the code. The results of these tests are typically reported back to the development team, so that they can address any issues that are discovered.
Once the code has passed the test stage, it is ready to be deployed to a production environment. In the deployment stage, the continuous delivery pipeline automatically installs the code on the production servers, updates any necessary configuration files, and performs any other tasks that are needed to make the code live. This stage is typically automated as well, so that the deployment process is repeatable and reliable.
Finally, the continuous delivery pipeline includes a monitoring stage, where the team can track the performance of the code in production. This can include monitoring the logs, tracking the usage of the code, and looking for any issues or problems that might need to be addressed. By monitoring the code in this way, teams can ensure that it is working as intended and that any problems are addressed quickly.
Overall, the stages of a continuous delivery pipeline are designed to enable teams to build, test, and deploy code quickly and reliably. By automating these processes, teams can reduce the time and effort needed to deliver valuable software to their customers.