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Building and understanding a DevOps Pipeline: A complete guide

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Updated on:
August 4, 2024
August 30, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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DevOps pipeline is a way of managing the flow of the software to be delivered by combining characteristics of both development and operations. This consistent use of continuous delivery techniques, like automation, can be used in the strategic sense to deliver code efficiently, test, and deploy much quicker. The building blocks of a sound pipeline are a CI/CD tool, SCM for tracking the changes in code, and a build server that will perform the tasks. There is a need to build automation tools to facilitate this process as the software engineering team gets ready for smooth changes. 

Such an interdependence between various phases of development represents the concept of integration that is central to DevOps. 

Introduction to DevOps Pipeline

The DevOps Pipeline can be described as a concept referring to an organization of tasks performed by the software engineering team’s development and operations departments. In fact, it is a collection of automation procedures initiated by CI/CD instruments aimed at continuous delivery and integration.

This approach involves several build automation tools and runs on a cycle of SCM, code generation, testing, deployment monitoring, and feedback. Thus, it promotes the efficient execution of automated alterations and the prompt provision of high-quality software. 

Definition and importance of DevOps Pipeline

DevOps pipeline generally refers to a series of processes in the software delivery value chain that the software engineering team follows. It is a methodology that involves development and operations in an organization to ensure the integration of functions such as testing, deployment, and other automatic changes. 

DevOps pipelines are used to minimize errors and also contribute to the development process being as quick as it can be. It enables coders to employ CI/CD tools, build automation tools, SCM, and others to function seamlessly. 

Key components of a DevOps pipeline include: Key components of a DevOps pipeline include: 

  • Code - development and review, source code management tools, code merging
  • Build - continuous integration tools, build status
  • Test - continuous testing tools to ensure quality
  • Package - artifact repository, application pre-deployment staging
  • Release - change management, release approvals, release automation
  • Configure - infrastructure configuration and management, Infrastructure as Code tools.
  • Monitor - applications performance monitoring, end-user experience

Key components of a DevOps Pipeline

DevOps pipeline is a process that the software engineering team goes through to deliver software with more reliability and faster. One of the components of this is the CI/CD tool, the tool that is responsible for software delivery and translates updates from developers into deployable artifacts. Primary features of a DevOps pipeline include: Primary features of a DevOps pipeline include: 

Version control for monitoring changes in the code and approval for changes in the code. A build server that runs the build automation tools that are used in the build process of transforming source code to binary code. The sort of testing strategies designed to check the quality of the software

Understanding the stages of a DevOps Pipeline

DevOps is a methodology of developing, organizing, and automating the mechanisms used in the delivery of software. Starting with an operational software engineering team making changes to a source control management that causes the build server to create instances of the application using build automation tools. This is part of a process that is carried out time and again – integration. 

The following stages involve more testing to confirm the code’s operational efficiency and other characteristics. In case of any complications, automated modifications are made. Depending on the results of the testing, software is released to production adhering to the continuous delivery model for efficient and consistent software release.

Continuous Integration (CI)

Continuous Integration (CI) is a very important concept in software development frameworks whereby developers frequently integrate their changes into a common pool. This process is accompanied by automated tools to help in the identification and correction of bugs early enough. It has a core function in helping to facilitate the delivery of software, while at the same time improving communication among the software engineering team. 

The components of CI/CD include; Source control management, use of a build server, build automation tools, and several testing and deploying stages. CI/CD tools help in automation and hence can make continuous delivery possible. 

Continuous Delivery (CD)

Continuous Delivery (CD) is one of the software engineering methodologies where code changes are built, tested, and ready for release much more frequently. The goal is to build software in a way that it can be shipped to the market when desired. CD is a practice that combines the development, operational, and testing processes using build automation tools. 

Software delivery using CD generally entails CI/CD tools, automated changes, and source control Management in the process. A build server is used to turn code into a working version of the software; if the former has passed through the necessary tests, it is considered ready for deployment. 

This approach helps the software engineering team to introduce new constant iterative updates, which will minimize risk and time for feedback concerning the problems. 

Continuous Deployment

Continuous deployment is the final practice of software delivery which implies the utilization of build automation tools to release the new code changes as soon as they have passed the testing phase. This has the backing of a CI/CD tool that helps the software engineering team to build and deploy at a much faster rate with minimal hand interventions. 

Another important aspect of continuous deployment includes source control management, which is essentially a record of the change made to the code, and build server which is the process of assembling, the source code into an executable code. 

Tools for building a DevOps Pipeline

DevOps pipeline provides numerous benefits such as faster delivery and increased collaboration. It is significant to understand the intricacies of pipeline management to leverage its full potential effectively. This involves various aspects such as automation, testing frameworks, and continuous integration/continuous delivery.

In assembling the DevOps pipeline, there are essential tools where development, operations, as well as automation significantly occur. Amongst these are CI/CD tools which help in the continuous delivery of the software, source control management that makes work easier when working on the code, and building servers that compile the code. 

Other tools that are essential in construction include build automation tools that are useful in software testing and deployment hence quickening these processes. Automated changes in the code are also very crucial when it comes to keeping the ‘Continuous Integration’ in the software delivery process – which is a key component of modern software engineering teams. 

Jenkins: An open-source automation serve

Jenkins is an open-source automation tool that is massively used in development and operations domains. In the role of a build server, it provides extensions for virtually every available build automation tool and takes the software delivery process a step further with continuous delivery and continuous integration. 

Source control management, testing, deployment, and making automated changes in the code are the important areas where it plays a crucial role. The flexibility of use enhances the capability of the software engineering team to easily coordinate and govern the SWE processes at every stage of the software development life cycle. 

Docker: A platform for developing, shipping, and running applications

Docker is an open-source tool widely used in development and operation that provides solutions for the automation of the software delivery process. As for the CI/CD tool whose continuous delivery needs to be managed by the software engineering team, Docker is quite helpful. This works in a way that the app’s environment is containerized which assists in improving the source control.

 It also supports regular integration as well as build servers & building automation tools and also supports testing. Docker enables a sufficiently straightforward and smooth introduction of code and programmed changes in a well-organized manner. 

Kubernetes: An open-source system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications

Kubernetes is an open-source system used for managing the application’s deployment, scaling, and operations if the application is containerized. It is a crucial mechanism in the SDLC in the development environment that is created by an SE team to deliver software. Kubernetes is used mainly for continual delivery and it opens the probability of an intensive CI/CD or Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment tool. 

Kubernetes provides the capability of source control management hence leading to the best results when the code is run. It is able to achieve this by integrating with build servers and build automation tools in order to achieve efficient testing before deployment. This leads to the steady running of automated changes that, in turn, eliminate the potential for code errors. 

Building a DevOps Pipeline: Step-by-step guide

DevOps is a structured process of constructing a pipeline that integrates several factors of software development and operations. The goal is to eliminate the waste in the delivery of software and make it easy to deliver incrementally. Below are the guidelines that will help you in building the right DevOps pipeline. 

It is advisable to start with the implementation of source code control systems where the software engineering team can place and manage their code. This is then succeeded by the setup of a CI/CD tool for continuous integration and the establishment of a build server that embraces build automation tools for the testing of value. The final one is the deployment stage where different changes are done automatically in the production environment.  

Planning and designing the Pipeline

The planning and designing of the pipeline incorporate the following fundamental aspects of the software delivery process. The first of these major components is the preparation of the development environment, namely source control, CI/CD tool, and build tools. Also, the selection of the right build server is also vital in helping run the operations. After that, the software engineering team should focus on implementing continuous delivery and continuous integration systems. It should consist of as many testing methods as possible, as well as provide a possibility to change something automatically in the course of deployment. Nonetheless, optimization of these processes through efficient automation can have profound results on the quality of the code and the time it takes to deliver the software hence improving the efficiency of the software development. 

Setting up the environment

The development environment is the initial route to guaranteeing that the software delivery process is sound, safe, and effective. It calls for establishing the correct mechanisms as well as processes for automation, operation, and management in order to enable continuous delivery. This preparatory phase involves several crucial components including This preparatory phase involves several crucial components including: 

  • A CI/CD toolkit to manage change for efficiency. 
  • Versioning software for the source control of the code and history. 
  • Create a server and build automation tools for integration and also for deployment. 

Implementing continuous integration

CI is an important practice that happens in the software delivery process and plays a central role in the development/operations continuum. One of the stages in the CI/CD pipeline implies the regular process of checking in code changes into the master branch, which is then checked for code quality by the Continuous Integration system. The objective is to identify the errors early enough, enhance the quality of the software, and shorten the time taken to verify and release the software updates. This process presupposes a software engineering team to make code commits quite often to a common repository, with the help of the real-time source control management systems. Every time a commit is made, there are automatically generated changes in build automation tools, and the codes are taken to the build server for testing and at times deployment. In CI, developers go further and have automation applied to the software delivery process while making continuous delivery possible. 

Implementing continuous delivery

Continuous delivery is a software engineering approach that regulates the cooperation between the development and operations teams within the software delivery pipeline. Automated changes in reference to build automation tools and a CI/CD tool are incorporated in the development, testing, and deployment phases. Another important feature of continuous delivery is source control management where the code is well managed and released often. Pivotal to the CCP are Continuous Integration, Build Servers,s, and testing. These components align with the main goal of continuous delivery: whereby any version of the software is a possible release candidate. 

Implementing continuous deployment

Continuous Deployment on the other hand is a software delivery process that acquires code from the software engineering team, subjected the code to a series of very intensive automated testing, and if all the tests are passed, then the code is deployed directly into the production environment. This should be achieved by implementing a perfect synergy of development and operation by applying continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). 

Detailed aspects of implementation include: Detailed aspects of implementation include: 

Source control management systems to monitor the automated changes and the modifications done to the code. 

  • Establish an automated build process and build server to take source code and produce a working program. 
  • Automation of some of the deployment activities to be able to release frequently and stably. 
  • The aforementioned steps combined make this a unified and efficient procedure focused on the need for automation to avoid human mistakes, increase delivery time, and enhance the quality of the product. 

Best practices for building a DevOps Pipeline

DevOps can be said to be the creation of a proper sequence of processes that help developers and operation departments. Some of the critical areas that can be considered include Ci/Cd tools, and source control management that helps to enhance the software delivery process. It is recommended that an organization aspire to adopt a continuous delivery model with automated changes in order to speed up the delivery of code effectively. Employ build automation in order to avoid common mistakes and to ensure that the work being done is as efficient as possible. Emphasize the testing process to ensure the highest quality of the team’s work in the field of software engineering. Finally, select a reliable build server for integration of the working environment necessary for testing, building, and deploying. 

Automating as much as possible

This is an important principle in modern development where the continuous improvement of the software delivery process is an important objective. Such activities as testing, deployment, and source control, will benefit from automation in that it will mean reduced human interface and hence the probability of errors. The software engineering team employs build automation tools in continuous delivery and integration and CI/CD tools. Besides fastening up the work, automation also helps in the correctness of the code and thus helps in the improvement of the product. Automated changes can help the team to identify problems and possibly correct them before proceeding to the next step, which in one way or the other makes the software delivery process better. Efficient use of automation is therefore one of the factors that need to be given major emphasis to optimize the operations and bring radical transformation in the functioning of the software development process. 

Ensuring high-quality code

As a result, the software engineering team has to incorporate several practical solutions in order to ensure the code quality. The first pertains to continuous integration, which is considered one of the essential practices in the contemporary development paradigm. This entails the employment of a CI/CD tool that helps to build and test the code each time there is a modification. This helps to make sure that all new changes that have been made do not affect existing codes in the system in a negative way or do not have a negative impact on the entire functionality of the code. That is followed by the use of build automation tools and the proper setting of a build server as an essential part of the proper software delivery pipeline to reduce the chances of mistakes. Source control management is also important in order to manage all the changes and to allow the cooperation of the team members. Finally, a high focus on testing and deploying in development and operations through automation means that releases can be more predictable, efficient, and safe, thus promoting the practice of continuous delivery. These steps will enable the quick and automated changes that will create reliable quality code. 

Monitoring and logging

The deployment and use of the software delivery process require the assistance of monitoring and logging. These steps are useful in providing a basic understanding of the performance of the software which helps in identifying the problems and solving them. Automated changes become more reliable because it can point out any loopholes or issues that may arise. 

In this context, monitoring as well as logging become the key components of the CD process. The CI/CD and build automation tools enable the software engineering team to enforce the integration and deployment processes continuously and enhance the flow of the development process. Here are a few things to remember: 

  1. Simplify the software delivery process with continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) tools. 
  2. Ensure that you minimize the amount of work done manually as it is prone to lots of mistakes hence embrace the use of build automation tools. 
  3. Maintain the quality of the code through the incorporation of intense testing procedures in the development process. 

Challenges in building a DevOps Pipeline and how to overcome them

These challenges range from the actual pipeline of the delivery of software to the use of continuous integration and development to source control. These can also hamper the flow of the organizational processes. Some recommendations that could be employed include – the integration of build automation tools that increase development speed, offering good testing services before the build, and making sure that any changes that have been automated are well monitored in the code. The purpose of these solutions is to popularize such techniques as continuous delivery and continuous integration in order to improve the organization of software systems. 

Managing complex environments

Managing Complex Environments  Sustaining complex environments involves being precise about different aspects of software engineering, especially in the activities of development, operation, and automation. For example, automation can cause a serious reduction in the time required to deliver the software. Build automation tools, and CI/CD tools in particular are used to assist in the automation of the changes, testing as well as deployment. These tools can be used frequently by the software engineering team and this leads to more continuous integration and delivery. Components of this process include source control management and also a reliable build server that adds to the continuous delivery process. Appreciation and proper management of such complex settings are important to project proper software development. 

Ensuring security

Maintaining security in the delivery of software is an important responsibility of any software engineering team. This is done through functions like continuous integration and continuous delivery where change is done optimally by the experts. To ensure that only high-quality and secure codes are produced, it is necessary to use some tools, ci/cd tools, build servers, and build automation. 

The activities that are tested, deployed, and developed are integrated with the automation of the operations. This ensures not only the delivery of quality software but also the protection against possible risk or even a breach thus strengthening the whole delivery process. 

Dealing with legacy systems

Managing change is another important area, which is specifically related to the aspect of working with Legacy Systems. The development and operations part of this process becomes crucial because these systems are core to the software delivery process. Integration becomes highly involved especially through CI/CD as it is used in handling these systems. 

Key factors in managing legacy systems include: Key factors in managing legacy systems include: 

  • Create automation frameworks for continuous integration as well as continuous delivery. 
  • Testing and deployment of automated changes can be considered the fourth area of interest. 
  • Effective source control management 

The code in legacy systems often has to be tested to the hilt because changing it may bring new problems or destroy existing solutions. Therefore, proper management measures are vital. 

Conclusion: The impact of a well-built DevOps Pipeline

It can be concluded that a properly built DevOps pipeline significantly optimizes the delivery of software by fostering the CI/CD culture. This impact is done by combining Development and Operations, encouraging collaboration in the software engineering team, and leaning more towards automation. 

It replaces conventional SCM by automating the processes of changing the source and testing to quickly identify problems. Automation tools such as CI/CD and build tools enhance the ease of deploying the code to the build server adding to the operational efficiency. 

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