Software Deployment Pipeline Stage Evaluation Using Automated Testing Checkers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software deployment pipelines lack efficient mechanisms for automatically evaluating software items across different stages, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in transitioning between stages.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced that involves obtaining a set of processor-based software testing checkers to evaluate software items in various stages of the pipeline. Upon a request to transition from one stage to another, these checkers are automatically applied to the initial stage, generating results that trigger corresponding automated actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual evaluation methods are used for software items in deployment pipeline stages, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and automation extent are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware deployment efficiencyVSAvoidautomated testing extent

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects and executes appropriate software testing checkers based on the software item type and pipeline stage, without requiring manual intervention. The checker selection logic and execution workflow are self-contained, enabling the pipeline to autonomously perform evaluation tasks and improve deployment productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters by selecting different testing checkers based on software item characteristics (type, stage, metadata). This parameter-based selection mechanism allows automated adaptation to different scenarios, maintaining flexibility while enabling full automation of the testing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If comprehensive software testing checkers are applied to all stages, then reliability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware validation accuracyVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is segmented into multiple specialized checkers, each designed for specific software item types and pipeline stages. This segmentation allows the system to apply only the necessary checks for each scenario, maintaining high validation accuracy while avoiding the complexity of a monolithic testing system that would need to handle all possible cases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies testing checkers selectively based on the software item characteristics and pipeline stage requirements. Rather than applying all possible checks uniformly, the system performs partial action by selecting only the relevant subset of checkers needed for each specific evaluation scenario, reducing unnecessary complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If automated checker selection and execution is implemented, then productivity and automation extent are improved, but ease of operation and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment pipeline throughputVSAvoidpipeline management simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where checker results automatically trigger subsequent actions in the deployment pipeline. This feedback loop enables automated decision-making based on testing outcomes, improving productivity while keeping the system manageable through rule-based responses rather than requiring complex manual intervention protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250036557A1Evaluation of software deployment pipeline stages by applying software testing checkers

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Techniques are provided for evaluation of software deployment pipeline stages by applying software testing checkers. One method comprises obtaining software testing checkers for evaluating software items in a software deployment pipeline; in response to a request to transition the software deployment pipeline from a first stage to a second stage, automatically applying at least some of the software testing checkers to the first stage of the software deployment pipeline to obtain respective software testing checker results; and initiating an automated action based at least in part on the software testing checker results. A transition to a next stage of the software deployment pipeline may be permitted (or denied) based on the software testing checker results associated with a prior stage of the software deployment pipeline. A given software testing checker result may be processed using one or more specified rules.