Handling Continuous Integration Build Failures

In a Scrum Team, Continuous Integration (CI) is a critical practice that ensures code changes are integrated and tested frequently. When a build fails, it is important that it is fixed quickly to avoid blocking the team’s progress.

Exam Question

When a Continuous Integration build fails, who ideally fixes it?
(choose the best answer)
A. The next person who needs the build to complete successfully.
B. The tester responsible for validating builds.
C. The person assigned to the configuration management role within the team.
D. The person who broke the build.
E. Whoever the Developers agree should fix it.

Correct Answer

D. The person who broke the build.

Explanation

Correct Answer

D. The person who broke the build:
In a Continuous Integration environment, the responsibility to fix a broken build typically falls on the person who introduced the changes that caused the failure. This approach is ideal because the person who made the changes is most familiar with the context and is therefore in the best position to quickly identify and fix the issue. Promptly fixing a broken build helps maintain the flow of development and prevents bottlenecks.

Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate

A. The next person who needs the build to complete successfully:
This option may cause delays as it shifts responsibility away from the person most familiar with the changes. Ideally, the person who caused the failure should address it to minimize downtime and ensure quick resolution.

B. The tester responsible for validating builds:
Testers play an important role in validating builds, but they are not typically responsible for fixing build failures caused by code changes. The person who made the changes is better suited to address the issue.

C. The person assigned to the configuration management role within the team:
Configuration management roles focus on maintaining and managing build systems, but they are not typically responsible for fixing code issues that break builds. The developer who made the changes should fix the problem.

E. Whoever the Developers agree should fix it:
While teamwork and collaboration are important, it’s most efficient for the person who introduced the problem to take responsibility for fixing it. This ensures that the issue is addressed quickly by the person who knows the most about the code changes.

Relevance to the PSD Exam

Understanding how to handle Continuous Integration build failures is important for the PSD exam. It emphasizes the importance of ownership, accountability, and the role of CI in maintaining a smooth and efficient development process.

Key Takeaways

• The person who introduced the code changes that broke the build should ideally fix it, as they are most familiar with the changes.
• Quick resolution of build failures is critical in a CI environment to maintain development flow and avoid bottlenecks.
• Clear ownership and accountability are important for maintaining the integrity of the build process.

Conclusion

In a Continuous Integration environment, it is best for the person who caused the build to break to take responsibility for fixing it. This approach ensures quick resolution and keeps the development process running smoothly. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.