Software Architect's Handbook

Automating the build and deployment processes

If the processes are not already automated, serious consideration should be given to automating them. Automation will allow builds and deployments to be completed quickly. If there are many steps, mistakes can be made when conducting the processes. Automation ensures consistency between builds and across different environments.

Without automation, there may be variation in the processes depending on who is doing them. Developers and operations engineers may also take it upon themselves to automate different aspects of the process and each may do so in a different way.

Automation provides quick feedback regarding any issues. It allows us to fail fast, which means we can also resolve any issue quicker. ...