How frequently should CI/CD pipelines be run according to best practices?

Running CI/CD pipelines on every push, merge request, or at scheduled intervals aligns with best practices in DevOps and modern software development. This approach ensures that code changes are continuously integrated and validated, allowing for faster feedback if any issues arise. By triggering the pipelines on every push or merge request, teams can detect and fix problems early in the development cycle, which promotes higher code quality and reduces integration issues.

Additionally, scheduling regular intervals for pipeline execution can ensure that any ongoing changes are integrated and tested, even if they aren’t tied to a specific commit or request. This frequency supports an agile workflow, helps maintain the stability of the codebase, and encourages collaboration among team members by ensuring that the latest changes are always merged and tested.

Adhering to this practice also reduces the risks associated with large deployments that typically occur when code is only integrated at the end of a development cycle, either at project completion or month-end. Frequent testing and integration facilitate a more seamless deployment process and higher confidence in software releases.