What is a potential outcome of using quality gates in the deployment process?

Using quality gates in the deployment process serves a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and quality of the software being developed. When implemented effectively, quality gates help identify issues and inconsistencies early in the development lifecycle. This early detection allows teams to address potential problems before they propagate further into the deployment process, ultimately leading to smoother and more reliable releases.

The primary objective of quality gates is to enforce predefined criteria that must be met before a code change can move from one stage of the deployment pipeline to the next. By ensuring that these criteria are met, teams can mitigate risks associated with insufficient testing, incomplete code reviews, or integration issues. This proactive approach helps maintain high standards and contributes to better overall software quality.

Imagine a scenario where a major inconsistency is discovered only after a deployment has been made. Addressing this issue post-deployment can be far more costly and time-consuming than dealing with it earlier in the process. Therefore, the use of quality gates is vital for catching these inconsistencies early, which fosters a more efficient workflow and reduces the likelihood of significant setbacks in the future.