What is the difference between continuous deployment and continuous delivery?

What is the difference between continuous deployment and continuous delivery?

Continuous deployment is the practice of automatically deploying every change that passes automated tests to production. Continuous delivery, on the other hand, ensures that code changes are automatically prepared for a release to production, but the actual deployment is a manual step.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use continuous deployment when you have a mature testing process and want to release features quickly. Use continuous delivery when you need more control over the release process, such as in regulated industries.

What are the benefits of each approach?

Continuous deployment allows for faster feedback and quicker iterations, while continuous delivery provides more control and reduces the risk of deploying untested code.

Are there any downsides to these practices?

Yes, continuous deployment can lead to instability if not managed properly, while continuous delivery may slow down the release process if manual steps are not streamlined.