Understanding Automated Builds in Scrum
Automated builds are a crucial aspect of continuous integration and continuous delivery in modern software development. They help ensure that code is consistently built, tested, and ready for deployment, reducing the chances of integration issues and allowing for faster feedback on code changes.
Exam Question
When should the Developers create their first automated build?
(choose the best answer)
A. When the Product Owner asks for a build.
B. Just before the end of the Sprint.
C. Just before the product is released.
D. As soon as there is code in the version control system.
E. Before writing the first line of code.
Correct Answer
D. As soon as there is code in the version control system.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D. As soon as there is code in the version control system:
The best time to create the first automated build is as soon as there is any code in the version control system. This practice is part of continuous integration, where Developers frequently integrate their code into a shared repository, ensuring that every change is automatically built and tested. This approach allows the team to detect issues early and maintain a consistent state of readiness for deployment.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
A. When the Product Owner asks for a build:
The Product Owner’s role is to manage the Product Backlog and ensure that the team is delivering value. Asking for a build is not typically part of their responsibilities, and waiting for such a request can delay the integration and testing processes.
B. Just before the end of the Sprint:
Waiting until the end of the Sprint to create an automated build increases the risk of discovering integration issues too late, which can cause delays and reduce the quality of the Increment.
C. Just before the product is released:
Creating the first automated build just before release is too late. It undermines the benefits of continuous integration and increases the risk of last-minute issues that could have been detected earlier.
E. Before writing the first line of code:
While planning for automated builds is important, it is not practical to create an automated build before there is any code to build. The build process should be set up once the initial code is available in the version control system.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding when to create the first automated build is crucial for the PSD exam as it reflects the importance of continuous integration and the role of automated builds in ensuring a smooth development process.
Key Takeaways
- Automated builds should be created as soon as there is code in the version control system to enable continuous integration.
- Early builds help detect issues sooner, ensuring that the product is always in a deployable state.
Conclusion
Creating an automated build as soon as there is code in the version control system is a best practice in software development. This approach supports continuous integration, allowing for early detection of issues and maintaining a high level of readiness for deployment. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
