Pipeline
// Definition
An automated, ordered sequence of stages — typically build, test, scan, deploy — that code passes through from commit to release. Enforces quality gates between stages.
// Related terms
Continuous Integration
The practice of merging code changes to a shared branch frequently, with automated builds and tests running on every change. Catches integration issues early and keeps the main branch always shippable.
Build
The process of compiling source code and packaging it into a runnable artifact. Also refers to the resulting artifact and a numbered identifier for that specific output.
Deploy
The act of releasing a built artifact to a target environment (staging, production). Modern teams aim to deploy as often and as automatically as possible.
Learn more · CI/CD for QA Engineers
Chapter 1 · Lesson 1: What Is CI/CD and Why It Matters for QA