Continuous Delivery
/kənˈtɪn.ju.əs dɪˈlɪv.ər.i/
noun — “getting your code out the door automatically, like a vending machine for software.”
Continuous Delivery (CD) is a software engineering approach where code changes are automatically prepared for release to production, ensuring that the software is always in a deployable state. Unlike traditional release cycles that batch features and fixes, Continuous Delivery emphasizes small, incremental updates with automated testing and validation, reducing risk and accelerating delivery timelines.
Pipeline
/ˈpaɪp.laɪn/
noun — “a relay race for data, where every runner hands off cleanly.”
Pipeline is a structured sequence of processes or commands where the output of one stage becomes the input of the next, forming a continuous flow of data from start to finish. In computing, a Pipeline allows complex tasks to be broken into smaller, specialized steps that operate in coordination rather than isolation.
Continuous Integration
/kənˈtɪn.ju.əs ˌɪn.tɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/
noun — "merging code frequently so conflicts become annoying instead of catastrophic."
Continuous Integration (CI) is a software development practice where developers frequently merge their code changes into a shared repository. Each merge triggers automated builds and tests, allowing teams to detect integration issues early and ensure software quality throughout the development lifecycle.
Technically, Continuous Integration involves:
Extract, Transform, Load
/ˈiː-tiː-ɛl/
n. “Move it. Clean it. Make it useful.”
ETL, short for Extract, Transform, Load, is a data integration pattern used to move information from one or more source systems into a destination system where it can be analyzed, reported on, or stored long-term. It is the quiet machinery behind dashboards, analytics platforms, and decision-making pipelines that pretend data simply “shows up.”