Software deployment strategies are ways to release new software updates to users. There are many different deployment strategies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here is a simple explanation of some of the most common software deployment strategies:
Blue-Green Deployment:
Two identical production environments are maintained, and updates are switched between them instantly. This minimises downtime and provides a reliable way to deploy and roll back updates.
Canary Deployment:
New features or updates are rolled out to a small group of users first, before being released to all users. This allows for real-time monitoring and risk mitigation.
Rolling Deployment:
Updates are rolled out to production servers gradually, one server at a time. This ensures continuous availability and minimises service disruption.
Feature Toggles:
Developers can dynamically control which features are enabled, even in production. This allows for on-the-fly configuration changes, risk isolation, and controlled releases.
A/B Testing:
Multiple versions of a feature or design are released to different groups of users. This allows organisations to analyse user interactions and outcomes to make informed decisions about which version to roll out to all users.
Shadow Deployment:
A new version of the software is run in parallel with the existing version, without impacting users. This allows for real-world simulation, performance monitoring, and data collection.
