What is a DevOps Pipeline? How to Build One For Your Organization
In the traditional software development model, developers write code and conduct unit tests before passing it to the QA team. QA then identified defects, which developers used to correct. Once fixes are implemented, QA retests the code. If all is clear, it will be moved to the Ops team for release.
However, Ops had to rely heavily on developers and QA for each step. When system failures occurred, teams often blamed each other due to their isolated work approach.
Thankfully, with the DevOps services’ advent, this issue was addressed significantly. Given that it brings the development and operation team together. But, it is the DevOps pipeline that transforms software delivery.
So, without further ado, let’s explore this application design concept and learn how to build it.
DevOps Pipeline – What Is It?
A DevOps pipeline comprises automated processes and tools utilized by development and operations teams. Its purpose is to streamline the compilation, construction, testing, and deployment of software code. Thus, enabling faster and easier delivery.
The development phase encompasses tasks such as writing project code, testing, bug fixing, adding new features, performing updates, and patching code. This phase involves four key steps: Planning, Coding, Building, and Testing. Developers leverage various tools to streamline the intricacies of the development process.
The operations phase typically involves four steps: Release, Deployment, Operation, and Monitoring. These steps can be as intricate as the development phase, requiring a seamless transition of software projects and updates into production, accompanied by thorough monitoring.
Steps Involved in the DevOps Pipeline Implementation
Regrettably, there’s no universal roadmap for implementing a DevOps pipeline. DevOps teams must consider various factors such as the organization’s size, available toolsets, budget constraints, and the specific goals the business aims to achieve through the implementation.
Here are three general steps that DevOps teams should consider when implementing a pipeline in DevOps:
- Define and establish your DevOps strategy clearly. Collaborate with all relevant departments to set common goals and ensure alignment across the organization.
- Ensure that you integrate agile principles with your project. This is because agile emphasizes iterative software delivery. It also complements the DevOps approach effectively.
- Lastly, ensure that everything is continuous. The reason is clear: DevOps foundation is developed on continuity. And this is what maintains the deliverable times and consistency in code quality across the stages of the DevOps pipeline.
Phases of a DevOps Pipeline For Your Team
Creating a Pipeline in DevOps offers substantial benefits for you and your team. However, getting started can feel daunting. Let’s break down the process and provide an overview of how you can initiate building your pipeline.
Here are the phases to create a DevOps Pipeline –
a. Choose CI/CD Tool
While DevOps methodologies may vary between companies, it’s crucial for each organization to select a CI/CD tool tailored to its unique requirements.
Some of the most common examples of these CI/CD tools include –
- Jenkins,
- GitLab,
- Bamboo,
- TeamCity,
- and CircleCI.
Each of these tools offers specific features and properties, enabling teams to choose the best fit for their requirements.
b. Establish control environment
Regardless of the size of your development team, having a central location or repository, commonly referred to as a control environment, is essential. This is where you will be storing your source code.
This control environment facilitates collaboration among multiple developers working on the same codebase. Thus, mitigating merge conflicts and ensuring everyone is aligned regarding any code changes.
Some examples of source control management tools encompass Git, GitLab, and BitBucket. All of these platforms help in effectively managing code repositories and facilitate collaborative development workflows.
c. Setup build server
Continuous integration, CI, or a build server helps developers with a centralized and dependable environment for building distributed development projects.
The absence of a build server would make it challenging to ascertain the functionality of the code and its readiness for production.
d. Initiate automated test
Following the setup of your code on the build server, the subsequent step involves testing it.
Automated unit, regression, functional, and integration tests can be executed, guaranteeing error-free code as you progress to the deployment phase
e. Deploy
Once you reach the final stage, you are required to choose the deployment of your code. You can do so either automatically or manually. The choice is yours!
It is better that you deploy the code manually. This is because you will have the chance to monitor and instantly flag any concerns that may show up. If there are no issues popping up, you can proceed to automatically deploy the code. This way, you can save your time and effort added to the process.
Please keep in mind that you will require a server infrastructure at aid. And it doesn’t matter how you wish to deploy for the same. Just ensure your chosen server infrastructure is capable of performing the functions you wish it to perform. Also, it should align with the software you wish to deploy.
Ending note
The DevOps pipeline serves as the central hub of the DevOps practice within any organization. It enables teams to synchronize the processes of building, testing, and deploying code with a high level of confidence in the final product. This synchronization is crucial for the overall success of the organization.
Adhering to the steps listed above, you will be equipped to build DevOps Pipeline components that allow you to experience the substantial perks they have to offer!