CodePipeline AWS: The Ultimate Cloud-based Coding Pipeline 


Continuous delivery has become an important part of our lives as software developers because it helps with faster software deployment.

The AWS CodePipeline is gaining traction for its automation features. It allows you to automate the entire process, starting from code integration to software deployment. 

This article will help you understand the fundamentals of AWS CodePipeline and how you can use it to simplify the continuous delivery process of your projects

What Is the AWS CodePipeline and What Are Its Concepts? 

AWS CodePipeline is a fully managed service that helps users in automating code development, testing, and deployment.

It is a cloud-based continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) solution with which developers can quickly and efficiently release new features and updates to their applications.  

Several key concepts of CodePipeline are:

  1. 1

    Stages 

    You may set up a pipeline with numerous stages, such as build, test, and deploy, using CodePipeline. Each stage may have one or more actions, which are particular jobs that must be done.

  2. 2

    Activities

    You may set up several actions using CodePipeline, including build, test, and deploy. AWS services like AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodeDeploy, and AWS CodeStar, as well as third-party services like Jenkins, may be used to carry out these tasks.

  3. 3

    Approvals

    CodePipeline enables you to set up approvals for certain pipeline stages, enabling team members to examine and provide their consent to modifications before they are implemented.

  4. 4

    Artifacts

    CodePipeline enables you to handle artifacts produced by the pipeline, such as compiled code and configuration files.

  5. 5

    CloudWatch Events

    To initiate pipeline execution and status changes, CodePipeline makes use of CloudWatch Events.

What Are the Most Common Use Cases of AWS CodePipeline?

AWS CodePipeline is a powerful tool that may be used for a variety of purposes, the most frequent of which are as follows

  • Continuous Integration Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

  • Automated Deployments

  • Multi-Region Deployments

  • Code Review and Approval

  • Monitoring of Deployments

  • Automated testing

  • Blue-Green Deployment

AWS CodePipeline Vs. AWS Codebuild: Features & Pricing Comparison 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers two services that are used to automate the development, testing, and deployment of code: AWS CodePipeline and AWS CodeBuild.  

AWS CodePipeline

AWS Codebuild

features

A fully managed continuous delivery solution called CodePipeline aids teams in automating the construction, testing, and deployment of code.

Building, testing, and deploying code is simple with CodeBuild, a fully managed continuous integration service.

Teams may connect to several source code repositories, such as AWS CodeCommit, GitHub, and Bitbucket, to set up a pipeline with several phases.

Without having to set up and maintain their own build servers, CodeBuild enables developers to create, test, and package their code using a number of build environments.

To allow team members to evaluate and approve modifications, CodePipeline enables teams to set up approvals for specific pipeline stages.

You may utilize pre-defined build environments or create your build environments using Docker images with CodeBuild.

Pricing

Each pipeline on CodePipeline is charged a monthly fee, plus extra fees for the volume of activities and data transported.

Charges for data transport and storage of build artifacts are in addition to the per-minute build fee for CodeBuild. 

How to Set Up and Run an AWS CodePipeline for Code Deployments? 

Given below are the steps for setting up and running an AWS CodePipeline:   

  1. 1

    Create an AWS CodeCommit repository or connect to one that already exists.

  2. 2

    Now to build, test, and package your code, create an AWS CodeBuild project.

  3. 3

    Next you have to deploy your code to one or more environments for that create an AWS CodeDeploy application and deployment group.

  4. 4

    To automate the process of building, testing, and deploying your code, create an AWS CodePipeline to connect the preceding processes.

You can even add extra stages to the pipeline, such as testing and approvals, to fully tailor your CI/CD process. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using AWS CodePipeline?

Pros

  • Integration  

    CodePipeline interfaces with other AWS services such as CodeCommit, CodeBuild, and CodeDeploy, making it simple to set up a full CI/CD pipeline.

  • Customization

    You may customize your pipeline by adding stages, actions, and approvals, making it adaptable to diverse use cases.

  • Scalability 

    CodePipeline can manage many pipelines, actions, and stages.

Cons

  • Complexity 

    Setting up and managing CodePipeline can be difficult, especially for large and complex projects.

  • Cost 

    CodePipeline is a subscription service, and the costs can add up quickly, particularly if you have numerous pipelines or a large number of activities.

  • Limited to AWS  

    It can only be used with the AWS operating system.

Tips for Optimizing Your CodePipeline and Troubleshooting Problems 

  • Optimize Your Build Timings

    Long build times can cause your entire pipeline to slow down. To reduce build times, employ caching, divide your builds into smaller build projects, and use a build environment tailored to your specific use case.

  • Use Stages and Actions Wisely

    CodePipeline allows you to create a pipeline with numerous stages and actions. Consider how many steps and actions you're employing and whether they're required for your specific use case.

  • Regularly Test Your Pipeline

    Test your pipeline regularly by committing code changes and watching the pipeline's behavior.

  • Keep an Eye on the Limits

    Depending on the service level, AWS has some restrictions on the number of pipelines and pipeline actions you can create. Keep an eye on your pipeline's utilization and, if necessary, seek a limit increase.

  • Understand the Error Messages

    AWS CodePipeline error messages might be cryptic, so it's critical to know what they mean to troubleshoot them.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you are looking to automate the process of writing, testing, and deploying your code, AWS CodePipeline should be your go-to tool. It gives you the ability to monitor, configure, and automate the CI/CD workflow. 

However, on the downside you may find it difficult to set up and operate since it has little third party engagement. Also, it’s a paid service. You can surely try it once if you are starting with automation.

FAQ

Is AWS CodePipeline an ETL Tool?

AWS CodePipeline is not an ETL tool (Extract, Transform, Load). It is a continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) solution that aids in the automation of the process of writing, testing, and deploying code.

Is CodePipeline Similar to Jenkins? 

Jenkins and AWS CodePipeline are both CI/CD tools. They do, however, have distinct qualities and capabilities.

Jenkins is a free and open-source program that may be installed on-premises or in the cloud, whereas CodePipeline is an AWS-managed service that connects with other AWS services.

What Are the Three Types of Pipelines?

  • Source: A source code repository is accessed through the source pipeline.

  • Build: The build pipeline is responsible for compiling and packaging the code.

  • Deploy: The deploy pipeline is responsible for getting the code into a testing or production environment.

What Are the Alternatives to CodePipeline?

Jenkins, Travis CI, and CircleCI are some more popular alternatives to CodePipeline.

About the author

Youssef

Youssef is a Senior Cloud Consultant & Founder of ITCertificate.org

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