Continuous Integration (CI) is at the forefront of modern software development. It is changing how teams collaborate and deliver high-quality code.
Here are the essential CI testing best practices for 2023.
1. Think Security First:
In an era of data breaches, safeguarding the CI/CD pipeline is important. Programmers must isolate CI/CD systems within secure internal networks.
2. Use a Microservices Architecture:
Shifting to this offers flexibility benefits. They must adopt an incremental approach to migrate from a monolith.
3. Commit Early, Often, and Reduce Branching:
CI/CD advocates early integration to prevent challenges. Reducing branching cuts the time spent on version control.
4. Only One Way to Deploy to Production:
A disciplined approach ensures that the CI/CD pipeline is the sole mechanism for introducing code into the production environment.
5. Keep the Production and Test Environments as Similar as Possible:
To ensure accurate testing, replicating the production environment closely in the testing stages is essential. Differences between the two environments can lead to problematic changes being released unnoticed.
6. Have a Clear Plan on What to Test, When, and Where:
They must categorize tests into lightweight and heavyweight, along with a well-defined timing strategy.
7. Avoid Parallel Work:
Reducing multiple compilations of source code reduces unexpected impacts. The focus should be on distributing compiled binaries and versioning final artifacts for consistency.
8. Use Automation Whenever Possible:
They must focus on automation for tasks like code compilation and smoke testing.
9. Use On-Demand Testing Environments:
Using container-based ephemeral testing environments enhances CI/CD efficiency.
In 2023, CI/CD remains pivotal for software development. It enables teams to deliver code faster and with higher quality. Adhering to these best practices empowers development teams to navigate the complexities of modern software development successfully.
Read More: Continuous Integration (CI) Testing Best Practices in 2023
