Continuous Deployment Strategies (Video Course)

Build expertise on the most popular continuous deployment strategies and understand the pros and cons of implementing them in a variety of contexts.

Over the years, different techniques have been developed to help software firms successfully deploy new application and code versions. These techniques are called deployment strategies. The subject matter of this course holds immense importance in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape. With the increasing demand for faster and more efficient software releases, organizations are constantly seeking professionals who can implement effective deployment strategies to ensure seamless and reliable software delivery.

This course aims to build expertise on the five most popular deployment strategies, as well as how and when to implement them. Learners will come away from the course knowing how to compare deployment strategies, and make informed decisions based on the needs of their projects; create implementation plans; and use tools like Terraform, Ansible, and GitHub Actions to enable the deployment process. Through practical examples and hands-on exercises, participants will gain practical experience implementing these strategies in real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, learners will be able to evaluate the pros and cons of different deployment strategies and successfully implement them to achieve efficient and continuous software delivery.

Learn How To:

• Deploy the five most widely used deployment strategies while also acquiring the practical expertise to effectively put them into practice.
• Compare and contrast the five most popular deployment strategies, enabling informed decision-making tailored to the unique requirements of the projects.
• Develop the skills necessary to create implementation plans and harness tools like Terraform, Ansible, and GitHub Actions to facilitate diverse deployment processes.

Lesson 1: Delivering Value Consistently

In this lesson, Byron delves into the concepts of Continuous Integration, Continuous Deployment and Continuous Delivery. He explores the philosophical underpinnings of these practices and challenges the traditional perspectives. Byrons goal is to inspire recognizing continuous delivery as a cultural catalyst and directional mindset, rather than a toolset. By the end of this lesson, youll also examine how metrics can serve as a powerful change agent, influencing organizational culture and driving meaningful transformation.

Lesson 2: Deployment Strategies

In this lesson, youll explore popular deployment strategies and apply them to real-world scenarios. Youll identify the problems these strategies solve, how to measure their effectiveness, and potential alternatives if they didnt already exist. By the end of this lesson, youll be able to confidently discuss deployment strategies with your team and choose the best strategy for stakeholder needs. With these skills, youll assess your current deployment process and transition to a more efficient delivery system resulting in increased stakeholder confidence and improved work-life balance for developers.

Lesson 3: Tooling That Enables Strategies

In this lesson, youll explore key problem areas in automated deployments and discuss essential tools for addressing these challenges. By the end of this lesson, youll be equipped to identify critical issues in automated deployments and utilize effective tools to overcome these challenges. With hands-on experience, youll have new tools installed and configured on your computers, ready to integrate into your own projects.

Lesson 4: Big Bang Deployments

In this lesson, youll understand the big bang deployment strategies exploring its advantages, disadvantages, and potential pitfalls. Youll learn when to use it, more importantly when to avoid it, planning and implementation best practices and common mistakes to avoid.

Lesson 5: Blue/Green Deployments

In this lesson, youll learn how to implement the versatile and widely used Blue/Green deployment strategy. Youll develop a thorough understanding of its benefits and limitations; its implementation and scenarios where it excels. By the end of this lesson, youll be able to identify suitable use cases, implement it effectively and make informed decisions for your projects deployment needs.

Lesson 6: Rolling Deployments

In this lesson, youll explore the popular rolling deployments strategy, addressing the key problems it solves, how it works, common use cases, essential components, and implementation tools. Youll also walk through the planning process (from A to B), implement the strategy together (hands-on coding) and put your skills to practice (exercise). By the end, youll have a deep understanding of rolling Deployment and be able to effectively implement this strategy in your projects.

Lesson 7: Canary Deployments

In this lesson, you’ll explore the Canary Deployment strategy, inspired by the historic practice of using canaries to detect carbon monoxide in coal mines. Youll understand problems solved by Canary Deployment, learn the strategy, its components, and use-cases, discover its implementation tools and walk through planning and coding a custom Canary Deployment. By the end, you’ll be able to implement Canary Deployment effectively, crowdsource testing and detect issues early, minimize risk and improve user experience. The hands-on exercises include applying your knowledge by deploying a canary release and testing its effectiveness.

Lesson 8: Decoupled Deployments

In this lesson, you’ll explore Decoupled Deployments, a powerful and flexible approach combining feature flags, feature toggles, and decoupling code deployment from feature releases. Youll understand Decoupled Deployments and its components, learn how to decouple code deployment from feature releases, discover popular implementation tools and walk through planning and coding a Decoupled Deployment. By the end, you’ll be able to implement Decoupled Deployments effectively, enhance flexibility and control over feature releases and streamline your deployment process. Youll also get a chance to apply your knowledge by building and testing a Decoupled Deployment as a part of the hands-on exercise.