Single Path to Production
All changes reach production through the same automated pipeline - no exceptions.
Phase 2: Pipeline
Build the automated path from commit to production: a single, deterministic pipeline that deploys immutable artifacts.
less than a minute
Key question: “Can we deploy any commit automatically?”
This phase creates the delivery pipeline - the automated path that takes every commit through build, test, and deployment stages. When done right, the pipeline is the only way changes reach production.
What You’ll Do
- Establish a single path to production - One pipeline for all changes
- Make the pipeline deterministic - Same inputs always produce same outputs
- Define “deployable” - Clear criteria for what’s ready to ship
- Use immutable artifacts - Build once, deploy everywhere
- Externalize application config - Separate config from code
- Use production-like environments - Test in environments that match production
- Design your pipeline architecture - Efficient quality gates for your context
- Enable rollback - Fast recovery from any deployment
Why This Phase Matters
The pipeline is the backbone of continuous delivery. It replaces manual handoffs with automated quality gates, ensures every change goes through the same validation process, and makes deployment a routine, low-risk event.
When You’re Ready to Move On
You’re ready for Phase 3: Optimize when:
- Every change reaches production through the same automated pipeline
- The pipeline produces the same result for the same inputs
- You can deploy any green build to production with confidence
- Rollback takes minutes, not hours
Deterministic Pipeline
The same inputs to the pipeline always produce the same outputs.
Deployable Definition
Clear, automated criteria that determine when a change is ready for production.
Immutable Artifacts
Build once, deploy everywhere. The same artifact is used in every environment.
Application Configuration
Separate configuration from code so the same artifact works in every environment.
Production-Like Environments
Test in environments that match production to catch environment-specific issues early.
Pipeline Architecture
Design efficient quality gates for your delivery system’s context.
Rollback
Enable fast recovery from any deployment by maintaining the ability to roll back.