Software deployment

Software deployment is the process of releasing a software program to a live target environment, which it then runs. The target environment can be any of the three major deployment locations: on-premises, online, or in the cloud. In most cases, the process of software deployment requires the preparation of a software package, such as an installable application, and its related components (data files, configuration settings, etc.) and then delivering that package to the target environment in order to perform the actual installation of the software.

In some cases, the deployment process may also include the configuration of the software prior to installation, such as setting up server and service parameters, assigning suitable user access rights, and granting users permissions. Furthermore, the deployment process might also include the automatic distribution of updates and maintenance packages over the network or through the cloud, if the software allows it. For web applications, the deployment process may also involve setting up web server applications, such as Apache, IIS, and Nginx.

Software deployment is a critical part of the software development process, as it ensures that the software is properly installed and configured on the target environment before going live for production use. Furthermore, properly structured software deployments improve the speed and accuracy of the software delivery process.

In the DevOps era, software deployment processes are largely automated through the use of continuous delivery mechanisms and deployment automation solutions. This allows developers to ensure that releases and updates are performed quickly and accurately on an assigned target environment.

Overall, software deployment serves as a critical bridge between software development and software operations, allowing the production of applications and services to run reliably.