What is pipeline as code?
Pipeline as code is a DevOps practice where you write your build, test, and deployment processes as code rather than configuring them through a UI. This code defines exactly how your software moves from commit to production, including every automated step in between. Teams store these pipeline definitions in their code repositories using tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or GitHub Actions.
Do you have any examples of pipeline as code?
Here are two common pipeline implementations:
- Jenkins Pipeline: A Jenkinsfile that builds a Java app might look like this: check out code, compile, run tests, package into JAR, deploy to staging.
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GitLab CI/CD: A .gitlab-ci.yml file could define stages to run unit tests on every commit, perform security scans, and automatically deploy to production after manual approval.
Why is pipeline as code important?
Pipeline as code transforms manual, error-prone deployment steps into reliable automated processes. Your build and deployment code lives right alongside your application code, so teams can review changes, track history, and ensure consistency across environments. This approach is essential for modern DevOps practices and reliable software delivery.
What challenges come with pipeline as code?
Teams often struggle with complexity as pipelines grow. Pipeline code needs maintenance just like application code, and bad pipeline design can slow down your delivery process. Testing pipeline changes safely can also be tricky without proper staging environments.
