Teams can deliver updates more quickly and with fewer errors by automating critical processes, such as code integration, testing, and deployment, using continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) methodologies. This blog explores the benefits of effective CI/CD Pipeline Optimization best practices.

Top 5 CI/CD best practices

DevOps as an Extension to Agile: Scrum can transform an ongoing, fruitless battle into a focused and effective team effort within agile teams. Agile teams must deeply explore scrum principles and adapt to enhance their responsiveness to planned changes, especially when they align well with the framework of a business challenge. Additionally, even if CI/CD techniques expedite the deployment of applications, keep in mind that Agile Software Development techniques form the basis. A QA leader may find it intimidating to include CI/CD pipeline optimization into their workflow, yet it only takes a few easy steps to turn DevOps into an extension of Agile methodologies.

Adopt a Security-First Approach: Businesses of all stripes have suffered enormous financial and reputational damages as a result of security flaws and breaches. Hackers often target CI/CD systems because they offer access to the codebase and deployment credentials across multiple environments.

• To lessen vulnerability to threats, it is advised to keep them safely in internal networks using multi-factor authentication and a VPN.
• The DevSecOps paradigm, which guarantees a more reliable and safe release and greatly cuts down on the time required to perform security checks retroactively, is widely promoted.

Look Beyond Conventional Infrastructure: Historically, IT infrastructure management was a time and skill-intensive endeavour. Cloud computing has revolutionized this, with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) leading the way. IaC streamlines infrastructure management by using machine-readable configuration files.

• Automated scripts not only speed up the process compared to the previous method, but they also enable scalability for configuring globally distributed networks and ensure consistency, as predefined programs are less likely to introduce human errors.

• Setting up configuration schedules for a distributed process with pre-planned scripts costs less than hiring specialized experts for the same task because it doesn’t require intensive labor.

Automate Manual Steps: Test automation has evolved from a specialized tool for high-performance teams into a buzzword in the business world. Now, every reputable software engineering team considers automation a standard operating procedure.

Individuals who need to run testing scenarios for mobile apps each time a new pull request is added to the main code branch should consider this approach. Setting up and maintaining on-premise infrastructure often proves costly, as it requires constant monitoring, updating, and maintenance of new operating systems, browsers, and devices. In contrast, a cloud-based grid simplifies the process, as the service provider manages upkeep and updates.

Run Parallel Tests: An ideal test grid should enable parallel testing, allowing testers to execute multiple tests on various devices simultaneously. This capability accelerates results, reduces test time, and delivers outcomes with shorter turnaround times.

Consider a straightforward example: an automated functional test of a registration form. If 45 distinct browser/OS setups are tested, and each test takes an average of two minutes, the tests would take a total of ninety minutes, or one and a half hours, to complete when executed consecutively.

Imagine that the overall execution time would have decreased to 30 minutes if three parallel tests had been conducted concurrently.

Additionally, it would be shortened to 15 minutes for six parallels, which is far less than what was previously anticipated.

Canarys helps build a Robust Pipeline that Supports Rapid and Stable Releases

A well-thought-out CI/CD approach reduces risks, boosts overall efficiency, and streamlines software delivery. By incorporating performance testing, utilizing reliable software deployment techniques, and engaging the entire team, organizations can build a robust pipeline that facilitates quick and stable releases.