1.1.14 Managing releases and updates

Question 1

What is a product release?

Answer 1

• The process of launching a new product for a specific market or user base

Question 2

What is an update?

Answer 2

• A small program that fixes bugs
• provides security updates to the software
• and adds new features to the program

Question 3

What is a patch?

Answer 3

• Code inserted into into the code of an executable program
• They are often temporary fixes between full releases

Question 4

What are some purposes of patches?

Answer 4

• To fix a software bug
• To install new drivers
• To address security vulnerabilities
• To upgrade the software

Question 5

Evaluate manual updates

Answer 5

Updates that are downloaded and installed by the end user

Benefits:
- more control and flexibility

Disadvantages:
- the user can forget to install updates, (e.g important security update)
- manual updates take a long time -> user cannot use their device whilst it’s updating

Question 6

Evaluate automatic updates

Answer 6

Uodates that are downloaded and installed without the user needing to intervene

Benefits:
- Updates can be scheduled for times when the device isn’t being used
- Ensures all updates are installed and device is up-to-date and secure with latest security updates

Disadvantages:
- Less control
- Update may break legacy systems or applications

Question 7

What is continuous delivery?

Answer 7

Software is developed in short cycles and can be released at any time.Smaller updates mean fewer bugs and faster bug fixes.

Advantage: Reduces cost, time, and risk with faster feedback and safer updates.

Disadvantage: Needs strong automation and testing processes.

Question 8

What is Agile Development?

Answer 8

Software is built in small parts (iterations) by a team working on all development steps.
Stakeholders give feedback after each cycle, helping the product adapt quickly.

Advantage: Reduces risk and responds well to change.

Disadvantage: Can be hard to manage and predict progress over time.

Question 9

What is DevOps (Development Operations)?

Answer 9

A way of working that combines development and operations. Uses automation and monitoring to create frequent, reliable releases.

Advantage: Speeds up development and improves reliability.

Disadvantage: Requires cultural and structural changes in teams.

Question 10

What is the aim of continuous delivery?

Answer 10

Aims to reduce the feedback loop of development.

• reduces cost
• reduces time
• reduces risk by allowing incremental updates