The “Continuous” approach in software lifecycle

In recent years, two terms have emerged as pivotal in the realm of software development: efficiency and velocity

Consider the software release process. Initially, after the analysis, developers write code in their IDE. After conducting primary tests, they build the package. Subsequently, the package requires a deploy into demo environment. The developer may save the package, typically in a network folder, and then proceed to deploy it or notify someone else to handle it.

Once in the demo environment, the package undergoes validation. A tester examines the new functionality of the software, ensuring it adheres to requirements.

If tests pass successfully, indicating the package’s validity, it is either saved in a repository or deployed to the production environment. However, if the tests fail, the developer must revise the code and repeat the process.

If we suppose that the developer implement a feature in a core function of the software, the tester must ascertain that this feature does not break other functionalities. To maintain efficiency, the tester must conduct non-regression tests, which can lead to significant slowdowns, especially if the feature does not align with requirements.

This is where three key software release terms come into play: Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery and Continuous Deployment

What is the “Continuous” approach?

The term continuous doesn’t mean “always running”. The term continuous means “always ready to run”.

Continuous signifies a state of preparedness where all processes are primed to be executed seamlessly whenever triggered.

This readiness includes not only the ability to execute tasks promptly, but also the assurance of reliability, consistency and repeatability.

There are several core concepts in continuous approach:

• Automated processes

It’s necessary to have automated processes to handle all aspects of software production. This includes building, testing, analysis, versioning and deployment. Of course it’s not possible to automate everything — for example user acceptance tests — but adopting an automate everything mindset could help to find new approaches for automation.

• Repeatability

Process that have always the same behaviour given the same inputs can be automated. This implies that providing a specific version of code reliably generate the corresponding artifacts.

• Fast processing

Processes are expected to quickly translate code modifications into deliverable packages. However, speed remains a relative term in this context, as various processes such as automated testing can significantly slow down the process.

• Fast problem detection and remediation

A crucial step in pipelines is to promptly notify any errors, aiming to do so as soon as possible. Employing the fail fast methodology is the most effective approach to enable rapidly intervention in the code.

• Frequent releases

One of the advantages of embracing continuous practices is the ability to deliver high-quality software at regular intervals.

The frequency of these intervals can be determined by team or company, but the goal remains the same: deliver software updates of superior quality to end users.

Continuous implies that a change pushed into source control can advance through the stages of build, testing, packaging, and beyond with minimal or no human intervention. These stages collectively constitute a pipeline of processes.

How to use the “continuous” approach?

Continuous Integration

The goal of the Continuous Integration is to quickly validate that pushed code changes are merged and validated.

The intended outcome is to identify any problems in the code and automatically notify the developer.

The CI process detects when code changes are made and run all the build processes to prove the code changes are buildable.

It can also run targeted testing to prove that the code changes work in isolation.

Continuous Delivery and Continuous Deployment

If Continuous Integration ensures the seamless merging of new code with the existing one, Continuous Delivery and Continuous Deployment pipelines mark the next progressive step.

With continuous delivery or continuous deployment we add further checks as load tests, UI tests, performance tests, and so on, culminating in the final deployment of the application to the production environment.

The primary distinction between delivery and deployment lies in the automation level: in a continuous deployment pipeline the software is automatically deployed in production environment without user interaction, while in continuous delivery the deployment to production require user interaction.

Understanding the disparity between these methodologies empowers developers to make informed decisions based on project requirements, team capabilities, and business objectives. By embracing one approach, or a combination of both, teams can elevate their development practices and deliver value to users with greater efficiency and reliability.

Why use “Continuous” approach for faster software development?

The continuous approach brings several benefits:

Improve Code Quality

By automating various tests, we ensure that code changes are validated for functionality, performance, and security. Code reviews are also encouraged, allowing team members to provide feedback on changes and identify issues.

It’s also possible add additional steps that incorporate static code analysis tools (like SonarQube) to analyze code without executing it. With these tools it’s possible identity potential vulnerabilities.

Faster time to market

Continuous delivery or continuous deployment reduce time to market by enabling shorter release cycles. Organizations can delivery new feature and bug fixes to users more quickly.

Reduce risk and easier error detection

Automation significantly decreases the risk of deployment failures and minimizes manual user tasks.

Continuous testing, validation, and quality checks before deployment help mitigate critical bugs or compatibility issues in production.

Increase customer satisfaction

Faster software releases lead to increased customer satisfaction.

By delivering new features and enhancements more quickly organizations can provide a better user experience and meet customer expectations in a timely manner.

In conclusion, the continuous approach in DevOps is not just a practice but a philosophy that permeates the entire software development lifecycle. This revolutionary approach enables organizations to adapt quickly to changing market demands and deliver value to customers more efficiently and effectively than ever before. Embracing the continuous is not just a wise choice but a necessity for those aiming to remain competitive in today’s tech landscape. By implementing these practices, companies can overcome traditional software development hurdles and move towards a future where innovation is continuous and customer satisfaction is paramount. It’s time to embrace it and redefine how we conceive and deliver software.

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