What is delivery?

Delivery in tech is the process of getting a piece of software or an update from the developers’ computers to the end‑users’ devices. It includes building the code, testing it, packaging it, and finally installing or making it available for people to use.

Let's break it down

  • Write code - developers create new features or fixes.
  • Commit - the code is saved in a shared repository.
  • Build - the code is compiled or transformed into a runnable form.
  • Test - automated checks run to catch bugs early.
  • Package - the built code is bundled (e.g., as an installer, container, or app store package).
  • Release - the package is marked as ready for users.
  • Deploy - the software is copied to servers, app stores, or devices.
  • Monitor - after deployment, teams watch for problems and gather feedback.

Why does it matter?

A smooth delivery process lets companies ship new features quickly, fix bugs faster, and keep users happy. It also reduces the chance of errors reaching customers, saves development time, and gives businesses a competitive edge.

Where is it used?

  • Web applications (e.g., online banking, e‑commerce sites)
  • Mobile apps on iOS and Android
  • Desktop software (e.g., office suites)
  • Cloud services and APIs
  • Embedded systems like smart appliances Basically, any product that needs regular updates relies on a delivery pipeline.

Good things about it

  • Speed: New features reach users faster.
  • Reliability: Automated tests catch problems early.
  • Consistency: Every release follows the same steps, reducing human error.
  • Feedback loop: Quick releases let teams learn from real‑world usage.
  • Scalability: Pipelines can handle many releases at once.

Not-so-good things

  • Complexity: Setting up a delivery pipeline requires tools and expertise.
  • Learning curve: Teams need training to use automation correctly.
  • Initial cost: Investing in infrastructure (servers, CI/CD tools) can be pricey.
  • Risk of over‑automation: If tests are incomplete, bugs may still slip through.
  • Maintenance: Pipelines need regular updates to stay secure and efficient.