Plan de integración continua

What is a continuous integration plan and why is it crucial?

A continuous integration plan is a key strategy to ensure the efficient and secure deployment of new functionality in a system. It is not only about integrating code, but also about effectively managing the process known as "roll out", which involves the complete deployment of 100% of the system, regardless of whether it is distributed globally in regions such as Europe, Asia and South America. The importance of this plan lies in its ability to avoid problems during implementation, thus ensuring that functionalities are effectively delivered to all users.

How is a continuous integration plan broken down?

To develop a detailed continuous integration plan, it is essential to understand its stages, usually divided into three main phases:

1. Development stage (Development): In this phase, functionality is developed and placed in a Git branch, usually called "master", where the most recent versions of the software are stored.

2. Testing stage: This is where extensive testing of the new functionality is performed. Specific branches can be created or tags can be used to identify the versions being tested.

3. Rollout to production: It is crucial to ensure that a controlled and gradual rollout takes place, allowing bugs to be identified as the rollout progresses to 100% of users. This may involve distribution by geographic region or under other advanced segmentation strategies.

What is the role of 'roll out'?

The term "roll out" refers to the process of gradually introducing a functionality in all regions where the system operates. This detailed roll out allows you to manage and mitigate risks by distributing new functions in a progressive manner. Thus, if problems are detected, the process can be stopped before an error affects the entire user base.

How to apply controls in the production phase?

To prevent the propagation of errors and ensure the stability of the system, different controls can be implemented:

• Geographical distribution: implement new functionalities initially in a single region or a limited percentage of the region. This allows to monitor the performance before extending the update to more users.
• Feature Flags: A technique that allows enabling or disabling specific functionalities for certain groups of users, facilitating granular control over the deployment.
• Temporal Strategies: Establish procedures that prevent progress on weekends or at critical times without adequate supervision.

Why are sequence diagrams important?

Sequence diagrams are a powerful visual tool that helps to outline and clarify each step within the continuous integration flow. They allow a clear representation of the process, showing the transition from development to testing and finally to production. This visualization can be integrated into a design document, providing a detailed reference for everyone involved in the project.

Additional Resources

To support the creation of these diagrams and establish a robust continuous integration plan, it is advisable to use specific tools available in the educational resources for this class. We encourage students to explore these tools to enhance their development plans and ensure a successful deployment of their projects.