CircleCI Orbs vs Plugins: What's the Difference?

What are CircleCI Orbs and how do they differ from plugins?

CircleCI Orbs are reusable packages of CircleCI configuration that simplify the setup of CI/CD pipelines. Plugins, on the other hand, are typically external tools or integrations that extend the functionality of CI/CD systems.

Can you give me an example of when to use an Orb instead of a plugin?

Sure! Use an Orb when you want to streamline your CI/CD process with predefined commands and jobs. For instance, if you frequently deploy to AWS, an AWS Orb can simplify that process. Use a plugin when you need to integrate a specific tool that isn't covered by an Orb.

Are there any performance differences between using Orbs and plugins?

Generally, Orbs can lead to better performance because they are optimized for CircleCI's environment. Plugins may introduce additional overhead depending on how they are implemented.

Where can I find more Orbs to use in my projects?

You can find a variety of Orbs in the CircleCI Orb Registry, which is accessible from the CircleCI website. It's a great resource for discovering community-contributed Orbs.