CI/CD VS Agile: A Detailed Comparison

Agile is a methodology that emphasizes iterative development, while CI/CD refers to continuous integration and delivery practices that automate the software development lifecycle.

Steven Ang Cheong Seng

Steven Ang Cheong Seng

13 May 2025

CI/CD VS Agile: A Detailed Comparison

In the rapidly evolving world of software development, methodologies like Agile and practices such as Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) have become essential. Both aim to improve software development processes, but they do so in different ways. This article explores the distinctions between CI/CD and Agile, highlighting their unique benefits and how they complement each other.

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Software engineers who are working with APIs can also choose the CI/CD or Agile method. This is where Apidog shines.

Apidog is a low-code API platform that facilitates the development of any API's entire lifecycle. With a simple yet intuitive user interface, Apidog aims to streamline API development. Aside from CI/CD integration in the app's design, Apidog also has useful functions such as code generation and customizable scripts.

To learn more about Apidog, make sure to click the button below! 
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Understanding Agile Methodology

Agile is a project management and software development approach that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. It breaks projects into small, manageable increments called sprints, allowing teams to adapt quickly to changes and ensure that the final product meets evolving client needs. Agile methodologies include frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming.

Benefits of Agile

Exploring CI/CD Practices

CI/CD is a set of practices in software engineering aimed at automating the integration and delivery of code changes. Continuous Integration (CI) involves regularly merging code changes into a shared repository, where automated tests are run to detect issues early. Continuous Delivery (CD) extends this by automating the deployment of code to production environments, ensuring that software is always in a deployable state.

Benefits of CI/CD

Comparing Agile and CI/CD

While Agile focuses on managing the development process through iterative cycles and collaboration, CI/CD emphasizes automating the technical aspects of software integration and deployment. Here’s how they compare:

AspectAgileCI/CD
FocusDevelopment process and adaptabilityAutomation and software-defined life cycles
ApproachIterative development with frequent feedbackContinuous integration and delivery
ObjectiveEnhance collaboration and respond to changeSpeed up development and release cycles
MethodologyUses frameworks like Scrum, KanbanInvolves practices like automated testing

How Agile and CI/CD Complement Each Other

Agile and CI/CD are not mutually exclusive; rather, they complement each other effectively. Agile provides a framework for adaptive project management, while CI/CD enhances this framework by automating repetitive tasks. Here’s how they work together:

Streamline API Development with Apidog

If you are looking for an API platform that comes with CI/CD support, you should strongly consider Apidog.

apidog interface
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CI/CD For Testing in Apidog

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Before generating embedded code, it's essential to establish a continuous integration setup in the testing environment. Go to the "CI/CD" tab in the test scenario and click the "+New" button.

apidog ci cd

Next, set up the runtime environment, choose the test data, specify the number of iterations and the pause interval, and then click the "Save" button located in the upper-right corner.

Conclusion

Agile methodology and CI/CD practices are both crucial in modern software development. While Agile focuses on managing projects through iterative cycles that prioritize flexibility and customer satisfaction, CI/CD automates the technical processes of integration and delivery to accelerate release cycles. Together, they create a robust framework for delivering high-quality software efficiently. By understanding their differences and benefits, organizations can leverage both methodologies to enhance their development processes significantly.

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