Benefits of CI/CD
More frequent code deployments
Organizations that build CI/CD pipelines can push out code faster. By standardizing builds, developing tests, and automating deployments, teams can devote more time to improving applications, and less time on the technical processes of delivering code to different environments.
Working seamlessly with many environments
As noted above, software development teams usually access several development and testing environments for testing and review of application code. With CI/CD, teams can still bring code to various environments without concerns about throwing projects off schedule.
Drives regression testing
With automated testing, which identifies when builds pass or fail, engineers can also move code through regression tests. Regression tests help ensure that code doesn't break a software build when it's merged with other trunks and confirm that code is working as expected.
It's a good idea to ask developers to run regression tests in all environments, so that developers only send tests to version control when all their tests pass.
Improved project collaboration and quality
Since developers who adopt CI/CD commit code more often, teams can quickly identify quality issues with smaller code packages, instead of larger ones created later along project timelines. Also, when developers have shorter commit cycles, they probably won't edit the same code and need merges.
Teams using CI/CD also tend to front-load their quality checks, like starting out with version control configuration and practice definitions. In addition to frequently checking code, developers will manage features and fixes on different timelines, and can then control which code and features are ready for production.
Better adoption
A well-built and feature-rich application isn't worth much if end users don't use it. CI/CD helps monitor uptake and usage of applications. It also allows teams to make constant improvements, such as changes to the user experience and the addition of in-app guides, to encourage users to use the application and its features.
This constant monitoring for improvement helps drive adoption even as the user base and usage patterns change.
Better user experience
Delivering a good user experience requires trial and error by development teams. Applications improve when teams monitor usage and make changes based on what they learn. When their observations show that users aren't clicking on a particular button or using a feature, software developers can move the button or feature until usage goes up.
If metrics show it's taking too long to load an image and users don't wait for it to load, developers can improve load times. In every case, continuous delivery creates the feedback loop needed to measure and improve user experience.
Reduced development costs
With a common, consistent set of development and testing tools, software development teams can avoid the extra costs associated with managing and licensing different applications. When CI/CD supports automation, teams gain economies of scale for developing and releasing applications.
More secure applications
Because CI/CD simplifies software development, teams can deliver higher-quality applications. Developers can also validate application security during development instead of waiting for the testing stage, helping to reduce or avoid rework of application code.
Higher productivity
The ability to integrate developers and processes through CI/CD can increase productivity and collaboration among teams working on a project, especially when those teams are scattered geographically.
Accelerates scaling
For organizations that expect to grow, CI/CD can easily scale by team sizes, codebases, and infrastructure. CI/CD can reduce code integration workflows that are no longer needed, thereby also eliminating unnecessary team communications.
CI/CD also helps reduce dependencies within teams, which means developers can work in silos on their features with the confidence that code will integrate without failing.
Generates feedback
Features move forward faster when teams get feedback on approaches. Feedback allows teams to measure results so they have firm evidence on which to base new projects. When teams get rapid answers on which workflows and approaches deliver successful builds, that knowledge goes into every future build.