Continuous Integration

Modern development processes require both fast, efficient, developer tools and a robust Continuous Integration (CI) process to ensure the Continuous Delivery (CD) of high-quality, secure software. Transform your CI/CD pipeline with LDRA’s advanced capabilities and drive your DevSecOps processes to new heights.

• Continuous Integration
• What is CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery/Deployment)?
  • What is a CI/CD pipeline?
  • What are the four phases of a CI/CD pipeline?
• How is CI applied to DevOps and DevSecOps?
• Which CI platforms are supported by LDRA tools?
• How scalable are LDRA’s CI solutions?
• How can LDRA’s CI solutions optimize development?
• How can LDRA’s CI solutions enhance a DevSecOps Process?
• Experience the power of LDRA’s continuous integration solutions
• Additional information

What is Continuous Integration?

Continuous integration (CI) is the automation of the process of merging code changes from multiple developers into a single code repository. When a change is submitted, the CI process can be used to run the necessary tests to verify that it is correct before it is merged into the main branch within the source code management system.

What is CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery/Deployment)?

CI/CD stands for Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery/Deployment. A methodology that automates and streamlines the software development lifecycle from code integration to deployment, CI/CD is applicable across a broad range of software development and IT operations practices. These include DevOps, DevSecOps, Agile development, and mobile app development.

What is a CI/CD pipeline?

A CI/CD pipeline consists of a sequence of steps required to deliver a new software version. Effective pipelines leverage automation throughout the development life cycle to enhance software delivery and reduce the risk associated with new releases.

What are the four phases of a CI/CD pipeline?

The CI/CD pipeline combines continuous integration, delivery and/or deployment into four major phases: source, build, test and deliver/deploy.

• Source: The developer initiates the pipeline by committing a change to the source code repository.
• Build: The build server builds binaries from the source code
• Test: The code is passed through a series of tests to verify its readiness for deployment as provided by the LDRA tool suite,
• Deploy: The code changes are delivered, or deployed to a staging or production environment

How is CI applied to DevOps and DevSecOps?

DevOps is a collection of processes, practices, and technologies that allow development (Dev) and operations (Ops) teams to work together to streamline product development. DevSecOps adds security (Sec) considerations to the process.

CI is a development best practice that can be applied within these frameworks.

Which CI platforms are supported by LDRA tools?

LDRA’s continuous integration solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate with many leading CI platforms, providing with powerful tools for code review, code coverage, and unit testing as part of an automated build process.

• Jenkins: LDRA tool suite and Productivity Packages include Jenkins plugins for Code Review and Code Coverage with results and trend information displayed directly within the Jenkins workspace.
• Docker: LDRA solutions work within containerized environments to deliver continuous static and dynamic code analysis.
• GitLab/GitHub: Integrate LDRA with GitLab CI/CD pipelines to enhance the development process. Automate code reviews, enforce coding standards, and monitor quality metrics directly within a GitLab environment to improving efficiency and consistency.
• Azure DevOps: Leverage LDRA’s integration with Azure DevOps to enrich CI/CD workflows. LDRA tools provide real-time feedback on code quality and security, ensuring that every stage of your development pipeline meets the highest standards.

How scalable are LDRA’s CI solutions?

LDRA’s continuous integration solutions are built to scale with your needs, whether you’re handling small projects or large-scale enterprise applications.

• Automated Code Review: Reduce manual effort with automated coding standard compliance and code quality LDRA’s static code analysis identifies potential issues early, enhancing code quality by preventing source code with new violations entering the main branch of the development project.
• Comprehensive Code Coverage: Achieve thorough test coverage with LDRA’s dynamic analysis tools and hardware-in-loop testing as part of a CI process. Detailed metrics on code coverage deliver effective tests and a robust codebase.
• Detailed Unit Test Results: Validate each software component by incorporating LDRA’s unit testing capabilities into the CI pipeline. Access detailed test results and reports to quickly address any issues and improve software reliability.

How can LDRA’s CI solutions optimize development?

1. Integrate: Seamlessly embed LDRA’s tools into Docker, GitLab, GitHub, or Azure DevOps environments with minimal configuration.
2. Analyse: Perform continuous static and dynamic code analysis to ensure code quality and security at every stage.
3. Test: Incorporate unit tests and measure code coverage to maintain high standards of software reliability and performance.
4. Report: Access real-time insights and detailed reports to drive informed decision-making and enhance your development process.

How can LDRA’s CI solutions enhance a DevSecOps process?

LDRA’s solutions are designed to support and enhance DevSecOps practices, integrating security, quality, and compliance into the CI/CD pipeline.

• Integrated Security Checks: Embed security analysis, using CWE, CERT, MISRA, and more, into the continuous integration process. LDRA’s tools help to detect vulnerabilities early and enforce security standards throughout the development lifecycle.
• Compliance and Reporting: Generate comprehensive reports and other artifacts to demonstrate compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, track progress, and address any issues proactively.

Experience the power of LDRA’s continuous integration solutions

Get in touch! Discover how LDRA’s tools can streamline development workflows, enhance code quality, and support DevSecOps initiatives, and learn how LDRA’s team of technical experts can seamlessly integrate them into CI, DevOps, or DevSecOps processes.

Additional information

Video: Performing code review with Jenkins and the LDRA tool suite

Video: Configuring Jenkins and the LDRA tool suite to automate code reviews within a CI/CD environment

Video: Leveraging GitLab, QNX Momentics v8, ARM64, and the LDRA tool suite in a CI/CD pipeline