Systems
Pipeline
Plain English
A series of steps that happen automatically.
Definition
A pipeline is a sequence of automated steps that glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term code or glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term from start to finish.
In practice
Commonly used in glossaryContinuous IntegrationContinuous Integration is the practice of frequently merging code changes into a shared repository with automated testing.Open glossary term/glossaryContinuous DeliveryContinuous Delivery is the practice of automatically preparing code for release so it can be deployed at any time.Open glossary term to automate building, testing, and deploying software.
In context
It is where standards become automatic. A rule that lives in a code review gets skipped under pressure; the same rule in the pipeline does not.
The reality
Pipelines often become complex and difficult to debug.
Compared with
Pipeline vs Workflow
A glossaryWorkflowA workflow is a defined sequence of tasks or steps required to complete a process.Open glossary term can be manual and involves people making decisions. A pipeline is automated, deterministic, and runs the same way every time. Turning a workflow into a pipeline is where the glossaryReliabilityReliability is the ability of a system to consistently perform as expected without failure.Open glossary term comes from.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is a pipeline in development?
It is a sequence of automated steps.
Why are pipelines important?
They automate glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term and reduce manual work.
What do pipelines include?
glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term, test, and glossaryDeploymentDeployment is the process of releasing software or updates to a live environment.Open glossary term steps.
What is a common challenge?
Complexity and debugging issues.
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