Leveraging CI/CD for Streamlined Software Development and Deployment
Tags: cicd, softwaredevelopment, softwareengineering, webdev
Published: 2023-09-18 11:38:01

## Introduction 

As a developer, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you'll reach a point where you want your project accessible to the world. To achieve this, you have two choices: manual deployment or automating the deployment process. Both methods get your project online, but they come with different speeds and challenges. Manual deployment tends to be slower, potentially causing delays and issues like scalability problems, rollback difficulties, and limited testing. This is where Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) steps in to save the day.

In this article, you will learn "why, how, and what" to understand when CI/CD implementation is needed for your next project, providing you with all the information needed to get started with building CI/CD pipelines.

## Why CI/CD?

CI/CD have emerged as critical practices in the ever-changing landscape of software development. It represents a transformative approach, streamlining the way software is built, tested, and deployed. By automating these critical steps, CI/CD significantly reduces development cycle times, allowing developers to deliver high-quality software to users more quickly. 

One of the main selling points of CI/CD is automated testing. As a developer, when you push your code to platforms like Github, testing could be overlooked. This is where CI/CD pipelines step in by including automated testing stages configured by the developer. These tests help catch bugs and issues early in the development process. This ensures that code changes maintain or improve overall software quality.

Furthermore, CI/CD improves collaboration within development teams and allows for quick adaptation to changing requirements. Because of its ability to empower developers and improve software delivery, CI/CD has become an essential component of modern development pipelines, ensuring that software remains agile, robust, and efficient.

## How To Get Started

To get started with CI/CD, you'll need to learn about CI/CD platforms and [YAML configuration files](https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/automation/what-is-yaml), which define your pipeline. Pipelines, as they are commonly referred to, are series of steps that outline the process leading up to the release of a software feature
  
Choosing the right CI/CD platform and mastering YAML configuration are critical steps in optimizing your software development process. First, choose a CI/CD platform from popular options such as [Jenkins](https://www.jenkins.io/), [Travis CI](https://www.travis-ci.com/), [CircleCI](https://circleci.com/), [GitLab](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/ci/) CI/CD, or [GitHub Actions](https://github.com/features/actions) that meets the needs of your project and integrates seamlessly with your development stack. 

After you've decided, go over the YAML configuration, which serves as the blueprint for your CI/CD pipeline. YAML provides a clear structure for defining the steps your pipeline should take, thanks to indentation and key-value pairs. To ensure that YAML parses correctly, pay close attention to indentation.

Next, begin your CI/CD journey by writing a simple YAML file that handles basic tasks such as code compilation and unit testing. To get started, most CI/CD platforms provide extensive documentation and examples. As you gain confidence, gradually increase the level of complexity by adding stages such as integration tests, code quality checks, and automated deployments to different environments. 

Remember to keep your YAML files in your project's version control system, such as Git, to maintain version history and effectively collaborate with your team. Before deploying your pipeline, thoroughly review and test it for errors, taking advantage of CI/CD platforms' ["dry run"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_run_(testing)) mode for safe testing. Finally, to ensure your development, keep up with the ever-changing CI/CD landscape through continuous learning, community support, and platform documentation.

A basic process diagram for implementing a CI/CD:
![process diagram](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ietyxm7z2mmuyzcxjyvp.png)

## What To Expect

By embracing CI/CD, you can expect to have an organised  workflow, deliver high-quality software more faster, and respond quickly to new requirements and user needs, ultimately driving efficiency and excellence in your development endeavors. Issues revolving around security will become a thing of the past and also have a better developer expirience overall. 


## Who Should Embrace CI/CD

If you're a software developer, no matter your specialization (front-end, back-end, DevOps, or platform engineering), CI/CD is your ally. It streamlines your work, accelerates your projects, and makes your life easier. Whether you're launching your first website or managing a complex system, CI/CD is a game-changer.  

## Conclusion
As the saying goes, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do," and CI/CD loves to make great work possible. CI/CD is essential in software development and should be practiced by all.