EXPLORING THE ROLE OF CONTINUOUS INTEGRATION AND CONTINUOUS DEPLOYMENT (CI/CD) IN ENHANCING AUTOMATION IN MODERN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT: A STUDY OF PATTERNS, TOOLS, AND OUTCOMES
NURUL HUDA BINTI MOHD RAHMAN
Department of Computer Information Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstract
In modern software development, Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) have emerged as pivotal methodologies that enhance the automation of various processes, thereby improving efficiency, reducing human error, and accelerating time to market. This paper delves into the integral role of CI/CD in the software development lifecycle (SDLC), exploring how these practices have redefined the way software is built, tested, and delivered. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the patterns associated with CI/CD, including the key principles of automation, the integration of testing practices, and the cultural shift toward DevOps. It also examines the tools that facilitate CI/CD, such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, CircleCI, and others, highlighting their features, advantages, and limitations. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the outcomes of implementing CI/CD, focusing on its impact on software quality, deployment frequency, and the ability to respond to changing market demands. Through a critical examination of case studies and industry reports, this paper elucidates the tangible benefits and potential challenges associated with CI/CD practices. Ultimately, this study aims to provide a thorough understanding of how CI/CD contributes to the automation of software development processes, thereby enabling organizations to achieve higher levels of productivity and agility.
