The Agile methodology emerged to boost software development and, at the same time, attribute more value to the digital product under development. The proper functioning of this methodology depends on two pillars, one of which is “continuous delivery”.

This methodology emerged in 2001 to address the barriers that developers encounter when developing software. This working method therefore involves creating more versatile and transparent processes, which increase productivity and product quality while valuing those who develop it.

From the technology sector, the Agile methodology moved to other areas in order to increase the productivity of these companies.

 

Table of contents

What is Continuous Delivery?

• Continuous Delivery vs Continuous Integration

 

The relationship between Continuous Delivery and the Agile methodology

• Examples of Continuous Delivery in Agile methodology
• The key principles of Continuous Delivery in the Agile methodology
• How Continuous Delivery adds value to the digital product

 

What is Continuous Delivery?

Continuous Delivery (or “Continuous Delivery”) is a fundamental extension of the Agile methodology, combined with the pillar of continuous integration. The first, in particular, involves dividing the source code into several parts and testing modifications made to these parts in a realistic environment. Only then deliver this part of the code to software production.

As part of the Agile methodology, Continuous Delivery allows the automation of any type of testing before this piece of code is implemented in production software.

With Continuous Delivery, companies are able to develop a digital product with fewer failures and accelerate its launch on the market.

 

Continuous Delivery vs Continuous Integration

As pillars of the Agile methodology, Continuous Delivery and Continuous Integration go hand in hand and enable teams to develop digital products more efficiently.

If, on one hand, Continuous Delivery is responsible for testing and implementing snippets of source code in the software production chain, Continuous Integration involves developing small parts of the code separately in order to be integrated into the body of the main code.

Thus, Continuous Integration follows all phases of the software life cycle and allows all developers to write code without running over the work of one of their colleagues.

 

The relationship between Continuous Delivery and the Agile methodology

The Agile methodology, which assumes the creation of more versatile processes, allows automatic implementation and, in this way, makes the development team produce more, in less time, and with higher quality.

Since Continuous Delivery is an extension of the Agile methodology, it is used to accelerate software development. It is through this pillar of the Agile development method that developers can run automatic tests (API, security, end-to-end, among others).

 

Examples of Continuous Delivery in Agile methodology

Continuous Delivery has several applications within the Agile methodology. As already mentioned, this extension of the methodology is used to automate all types of tests and accelerate the integration of code snippets into the source code.

These are not, however, the only applications of Continuous Delivery:

• In conjunction with continuous integration, it allows developers to work on several parts of the code simultaneously.
• Assumes the existence of a code repository, in which snippets are left to be tested and integrated.
• Encourages collaboration between developers, as well as transparency in processes.

 

The key principles of Continuous Delivery in the Agile methodology

Continuous Delivery, in order for it to be functional and meet its objectives, must be implemented according to 5 key principles:

• Improve software quality – Development must take into account the quality of the final product, from the beginning of the production process.
• Production divided into small parts – This way, the risk of errors is minimized.
• People solve problems, computers perform repetitive tasks – By automating testing and integration, developers are free to be innovative.
• Continuous evolution – Continuous Delivery is a repetitive process in which processes evolve according to feedback.
• Shared responsibility – The entire team is responsible for the quality of the final product and its success.

 

How Continuous Delivery adds value to the digital product

As a pillar of the Agile methodology, Continuous Delivery (together with Continuous Integration) adds value to the digital product under development through its various applications.

By adopting Agile as a production method, Continuous Delivery will impact:

• In the fruits of technological investment, which become more visible as production and profitability are regularly evaluated.
• Accelerate time-to-market, with the release of more frequent updates.
• In minimizing risks, which ensures the quality of the software under development.
• In the culture of shared responsibility that will later add value to the product.