What is the main difference between continuous delivery and continuous deployment?

The distinction between continuous delivery and continuous deployment centers on the level of automation in the deployment process. Continuous delivery ensures that code changes are automatically built, tested, and prepared for release to production, but it requires a manual step to trigger the deployment to production. This means that while the code is always in a deployable state, an individual needs to review and approve the deployment, which allows for human oversight and decision-making before the final code is released to users.

This manual intervention helps teams manage risk, such as ensuring that a specific readiness criteria is met before a deployment occurs or coordinating releases with business stakeholders. It facilitates more controlled and predictable release cycles, accommodating organizational policies and preferences regarding production changes.

The other choices do not accurately describe the fundamental differences. Continuous delivery does not imply that automated deployments happen everywhere, nor does it suggest that continuous deployment is inherently faster. Additionally, continuous delivery encompasses comprehensive testing processes but is not limited to them. The focus is on preparing code for safe release, rather than just testing alone.