5 Best CI/CD Tools That You Should Know

CI/CD tools have become established in the developing software and DevOps testing processes. It is because of the evolution of software development life cycles (SDLC) that has resulted in a transformation of the complete process of implementing code to the server. 

What are CI/CD tools?

CI/CD tools have all the functionality that developers need to be able to release their code regularly. In addition, it discovers errors immediately and avoids integration issues caused by frequent source code modifications. 

A CI/CD pipeline automates and streamlines the deployment process. If done correctly, it will reduce manual errors and improve feedback loops throughout the SDLC, enabling teams to deliver smaller pieces of releases in less time. There are several CI/CD tools that help in this process.

Need for CI/CD process 

Before knowing the different tools to implement CI/CD pipeline let us justify the need for CI/CD process in SDLC 

Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) refers to a collection of procedures used in code deployment. CICD is a DevOps training that simplifies and improves the development lifecycle when followed consistently with the appropriate tools, assumptions, deployments, and statistics. Build, Test, and Deploy are the core procedures of CI and CD. In building a pipeline, a developer or tester will likely follow all these three parameters in any CI/CD program. When you use continuous integration, you're constantly merging new code into the old codebase. So, we can detect any problems with the code integration as soon as possible in the system and then test minor changes.

Continuous Delivery strives to distribute new code to users continuously. But we can't just integrate and deploy code. As a result, we run the code through our CI/CD pipeline after it passes the build stage.

 The CI/CD tools has simplified and accelerated the whole code distribution process. CI/CD tools have made this possible because they fully control the entire process.

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Choosing the best tools

With so many CI/CD technologies available, companies may struggle to choose the best products. This list provides the "Top 5 CI/CD tools on the market" to assist you and your team in making a decision and its essential features.

1. Jenkins

Jenkins is a free tool and open-source automation server that serves as the core building and continuous integration platform. It allows for constant integration while also supporting continuous Delivery, along with other things. It also allows for real-time reporting. Installing Jenkins is as simple as downloading the .war file and running it from the console. In addition, Jenkins Pipeline includes various tools for 'as-code' modelling of delivery processes.

Most notable features of Jenkins

• Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Open-source and free As a result, it is advantageous for both startups and large-scale businesses.
• Easily customisable.
• There are over 1500 plugins available, and the community is among the best in the industry.
• Integrates with various popular cloud platforms, including AWS, Cloud Services, Azure, and Digital Ocean.
• It can be used to execute tasks concurrently and meet complex CD specifications.
• The installer is in .war format, a Java application that runs right out of the box.

2. TeamCity

TeamCity is a server made by JetBrains that helps people build and test the system. It is possible to create and deploy various projects using TeamCity's continuous integration services. It is a Java-based CI/CD tool that runs on a server.

It can be set up on a Windows or a Linux system. Open-source projects can utilise TeamCity for free, and it provides a simple way for small teams to interface with Azure DevOps & Jira Cloud Software. It also facilitates the deployment of build agents within the Kubernetes cluster.

Most notable features of TeamCity

• Extremely expandable and customisable for reusing settings from a parent project in a sub-project.
• It supports parallel builds, allowing for the simultaneous execution of builds on several forms and environments.
• The server is easy to configure, interact with, and extend.
• Maintains the CI server's functionality and stability
• TeamCity defines pipelines using a DSL (Domain Specific Language) based on Kotlin.
• Docker, Visual Studio Services, NuGet, and other tools are all supported.
• Its on-premises version connects with prominent cloud systems such as Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and VMware vSphere.
• It includes robust features such as running history, examining test status reports on the fly, and adding builds to your favorites.

3. Semaphore

When it comes to cloud-based CI/CD, Semaphore stands out as one of the top options. Additionally, this CI/CD tool integrates seamlessly with GitHub.

iOS developers may simplify the testing and deployment of their apps by utilising Semaphore's CI/CD processes. Additionally, Semaphore has configurable streams for sequential and parallel building.

Also Read : What is a Cloud First Strategy?

Most notable features of Semaphore

• Provides seamless connection with popular source code management (SCM) technologies such as GitHub and Bitbucket
• Facilitates the automation of any CD pipeline
• Utilises the industry's fastest continuous integration/continuous delivery platform
• Allows you to charge for what you use to don't have to worry about overspending.
• Native support for Docker. Docker-based applications are being tested and deployed.
• Provides Boosters - a tool that allows Ruby projects to run their test suites more quickly by automatically parallelising build processes.

4. GitLab

As a software development lifecycle management platform, GitLab provides many features. It is one of the top CI/CD tools since it integrates various features such as code reviews and continuous deployment into a single platform.

In GitLab, you can set up automatic builds, tests, and deployments for every change you make. Virtual machines, Docker containers, and other servers can all create jobs.

GitLab's most notable features

• It is available for popular operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• The GitLab Continuous Integration (CI) web application features a user-friendly interface.
• GitLab uses parallel builds to reduce build time, splitting a single build across multiple machines.
• It also allows you to create a custom pipeline.
• Facilitates collaboration on programs and code by providing a single source of information and scalability.
• Automates builds, integration, and source code verification for delivery teams.

5. CodeShip

CodeShip is a cloud-based tool for Continuous Integration. It supports several early and automated software releases. It enables software organisations to produce higher-quality products quickly by improving their testing and release procedures. Because it allows testing, building, and deploying directly from GitHub initiatives, it is the preferred choice for many developers.

Most notable features of CodeShip

• With CodeShip, developers have much control over how CI/CD systems are built. They can also personalise the environment and workflow to meet their specific needs.
• It integrates with a broad range of technologies. Security scanners, SCMs on-premise and alerting tools are all supported.
• It provides a simplified online interface that makes configuring CI/CD extremely simple.
• Integrates with your preferred tools, applications, and cloud-based platforms.
• It is available in 2 different versions: Basic and Pro.

CodeShip allows parallel test pipelines implemented in codeship.yml for both variations.

It enables the creation of teams and the assignment of team rights.

Factors to keep in consideration

Building a pipeline can be challenging, especially when successfully bonding together the many tools you want to use. The following are the most important things to look for in processing tools:

• End-to-end encryption
• Rollback capability with a completely reproducible audit trail
• Observability and alerting are already built-in.
• Both deployment and recovery can be accomplished in a relatively short time.
• Ease of use for developers and workflows

The Advantages of using a CI/CD tools

• An effective CI/CD tool can speed up deployments and increase the value of each release for the end-users.
• It significantly decreases the complexities and manufacturing costs associated with repetitive tests.
• The most recent version will aid in improving the quality and dependability of QA input on logged problems.
• A continuous feedback system that is prompt, accurate, and valid will effectively develop an organisational learning culture and responsibilities.
• When a product is launched at the optimal time, its return on investment (ROI) increases dramatically.
• The CI/CD process enhances the quality of code for all updates.

DevOps and CICD

DevOps success is typically attributed to the principles of CI/CD. DevOps is a software methodology that automates programmes' construction, test, and deployment. The CICD system is used to implement it.

DevOps is mostly concerned with culture, whereas CI/CD is primarily concerned with processes and tools. Since there is a stable and accurate pathway for delivering advanced functionality to your users through CICD, we can make application updates more reliably. In addition, DevOps online training will assist you in developing the necessary technical skills for obtaining a DevOps Engineer position.

Conclusion

In DevOps, a consistent and automated delivery service serves as the foundation for delivering software fast and reliably. Therefore, CI / CD tools are required to ensure proper continuous integration and Delivery. As a result, DevOps experts with certified skills and knowledge are in greater demand than ever before as enterprises start the journey toward digital transformation. DevOps certification enable you to progress your career and develop professionally.