CI/CD pipeline mental model in Jenkins - Step-by-Step Execution

Process Flow - CI/CD pipeline mental model

Code Commit

↓

Source Control

↓

Trigger Build

↓

Build Stage

↓

Test Stage

↓

Deploy Stage

↓

Production Release

↓

Feedback & Monitoring

↩Back to Code Commit

This flow shows how code changes move through stages: commit, build, test, deploy, release, and feedback, forming a continuous loop.

Execution Sample

Jenkins

pipeline {
  agent any
  stages {
    stage('Build') { steps { echo 'Building...' } }
    stage('Test') { steps { echo 'Testing...' } }
    stage('Deploy') { steps { echo 'Deploying...' } }
  }
}

A simple Jenkins pipeline with Build, Test, and Deploy stages that run in order.

Process Table

Step	Stage	Action	Output	Next Step
1	Code Commit	Developer pushes code	Code stored in source control	Trigger Build
2	Trigger Build	Jenkins detects commit	Build job starts	Build Stage
3	Build	Compile and package code	Build successful	Test Stage
4	Test	Run automated tests	Tests passed	Deploy Stage
5	Deploy	Deploy to environment	Deployment successful	Production Release
6	Production Release	Release to users	New version live	Feedback & Monitoring
7	Feedback & Monitoring	Collect metrics and logs	Feedback collected	Code Commit
8	End	Loop continues	Pipeline ready for next commit	Cycle repeats

💡 Pipeline loops continuously after feedback to handle new code commits

Status Tracker

Variable	Start	After Step 2	After Step 3	After Step 4	After Step 5	After Step 6	After Step 7	Final
Code State	No new code	Code committed	Code built	Code tested	Code deployed	Code released	Feedback collected	Ready for next commit
Pipeline Status	Idle	Building	Testing	Deploying	Releasing	Monitoring	Idle	Idle

Key Moments - 3 Insights

Why does the pipeline loop back to Code Commit after Feedback & Monitoring?

Because CI/CD pipelines are continuous, feedback triggers new code changes or fixes, restarting the cycle as shown in execution_table row 7.

What happens if tests fail during the Test stage?

The pipeline stops before Deploy stage to prevent bad code release, which would be visible as no transition from Test to Deploy in execution_table.

Is deployment automatic after tests pass?

Yes, in this model deployment happens automatically after successful tests, as shown in execution_table rows 4 and 5.

Visual Quiz - 3 Questions

Look at the execution table, what is the pipeline status after Step 3?

A Building

B Testing

C Deploying

D Idle

💡 Hint

Check variable_tracker row 'Pipeline Status' after Step 3

At which step does the pipeline deploy the code?

A Step 5

B Step 6

C Step 4

D Step 7

💡 Hint

See execution_table row with Stage 'Deploy'

If tests fail, what change would you expect in the execution table?

A Pipeline skips Build stage

B Pipeline continues to Production Release

C Pipeline stops before Deploy stage

D Pipeline loops back to Feedback & Monitoring

💡 Hint

Refer to key_moments explanation about test failures

Concept Snapshot

CI/CD pipeline automates software delivery in stages:
1. Code Commit triggers pipeline
2. Build compiles code
3. Test verifies quality
4. Deploy releases code
5. Feedback monitors system
Cycle repeats continuously for fast, reliable delivery.

Full Transcript

A CI/CD pipeline is a continuous loop that starts when a developer commits code. Jenkins detects this and triggers a build stage to compile the code. If the build succeeds, automated tests run to check the code quality. Passing tests lead to deployment to an environment, followed by releasing the new version to users. Feedback and monitoring collect data to improve the next cycle. This loop repeats continuously to deliver software quickly and reliably.