A CI/CD pipeline is a series of automated steps that software developers use to build, test, and deploy applications. Each stage of the pipeline serves a specific purpose and ensures the quality and reliability of the software.

Here's a breakdown of the typical stages in a CI/CD pipeline:

• Source Code Management: The pipeline begins with source code management, where developers store and manage their code. Popular tools include Git, GitHub, and Bitbucket.
• Build: During the build stage, the source code is compiled or packaged into a deployable artifact, such as an executable or a container image. Tools like Maven, Gradle, and Docker are commonly used for building.
• Test: The built artifact is then tested to ensure it meets quality standards and functions as expected. This can involve unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing.
• Stage (or Staging): The tested artifact is deployed to a staging environment, which is a replica of the production environment. This allows for final testing and validation before deployment to production.
• Deploy: If the artifact passes all tests in the staging environment, it is deployed to the production environment. This is where the application becomes available to users.
• Monitor: After deployment, the application is continuously monitored to ensure it is running smoothly and identifying any issues that may arise.

By automating these stages, CI/CD pipelines can significantly improve the speed and efficiency of software development and delivery. They also help to ensure the quality and reliability of the software by catching errors early in the development process.

Source

• What is CI/CD Pipeline?