2.1.1. Implementing CI/CD Pipelines: Overview & Core Components

First Principle: A well-designed CI/CD pipeline embodies the principle of "flow," ensuring a smooth, automated progression of code from development to production.

Think of a CI/CD pipeline like a manufacturing assembly line — each station has a specific job (compile, test, package, deploy), and the product moves automatically from one station to the next. Without this automation, every deployment is a hand-carried, error-prone process where someone inevitably forgets a step at 2 AM on a Friday. Teams without CI/CD pipelines typically deploy weekly or monthly; teams with mature pipelines deploy multiple times per day with higher confidence and fewer defects.

Implementing CI/CD pipelines on AWS involves orchestrating four core services into a cohesive delivery system. The distinction between these services is a heavily tested exam topic — understanding which service handles which responsibility is essential.

Core CI/CD Pipeline Components:

1. Source Control: Where code changes are stored and versioned (e.g., AWS CodeCommit, GitHub).
2. Build Service: Compiles code, runs tests, and produces artifacts (e.g., AWS CodeBuild).
3. Deployment Service: Automates the deployment of applications to various environments (e.g., AWS CodeDeploy).
4. Orchestration: Coordinates the flow between different stages (e.g., AWS CodePipeline).

Scenario: A development team is manually deploying application updates, which is slow and prone to errors. A DevOps engineer proposes building a CI/CD pipeline to automate this process.

Reflection Question: How does orchestrating AWS CodeCommit, AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodeDeploy, and AWS CodePipeline within a single pipeline fundamentally improve the "flow" of software delivery, reducing manual effort and accelerating time-to-market?

These components form the backbone of an automated delivery system, reducing manual effort and accelerating time-to-market.

💡 Tip: Start with a simple pipeline and gradually add complexity. Focus on automating the most repetitive and error-prone steps first to gain immediate value.

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