A · FoundationsBeginner45 min read
2. Why pipelines exist — CI vs CD
CI/CD Pipelines · 48 pages source format
CI catches integration pain early. CD makes releases boring. Continuous deployment goes further — auto to prod when green. Know the vocabulary.
What you'll learn
- CI vs CD vs continuous deployment
- Trunk-based development
- PR workflow mental model
Map your path to prod
Commit → build → test → review → deploy. Circle manual steps that should die.
Do this now
Draw pipeline diagram in PIPELINE.md. Label manual vs automated.
Clear?
Feedback loops
Fast PR checks (<10 min) get used. 45-minute suites get skipped or ignored.
Do this now
Set target: smoke under 5 min, full under 20 min. Write in PIPELINE.md.
Clear?
Trunk-based basics
Short-lived branches, merge to main often, feature flags for incomplete work. Long-lived branches rot.
Do this now
Read trunkbaseddevelopment.com primer. Note 3 practices you will follow.
Clear?