Overview
The article discusses how LinkedIn has automated the process of cherry-picking commits to enhance developer productivity. By implementing the Automated Cherry-pick GitHub app, LinkedIn significantly reduces the time developers spend on this mundane task, allowing them to focus more on delivering valuable insights.
What You'll Learn
1
How to automate the cherry-picking process in GitHub using a custom app
2
Why automating mundane tasks can drastically improve developer productivity
3
When to use cherry-picking versus merging in version control
Prerequisites & Requirements
- Understanding of Git and GitHub workflows
- Familiarity with GitHub Apps(optional)
Key Questions Answered
How does LinkedIn automate the cherry-picking of commits?
LinkedIn automates cherry-picking through a GitHub app that integrates with the code review process. Developers can simply add cherry-pick labels to their pull requests, and the app creates new pull requests for each specified branch, significantly reducing manual effort and time spent on this task.
What impact does the Automated Cherry-pick app have on developer time?
The Automated Cherry-pick app reduces the time developers spend on cherry-picking commits by approximately 99.6%. This efficiency allows developers to redirect their efforts towards more valuable tasks, enhancing overall productivity.
What is the primary use case for the Automated Cherry-pick app at LinkedIn?
The primary use case for the Automated Cherry-pick app at LinkedIn is in the customization of Google’s Android Gradle Plugin (LI-AGP). It allows developers to backport bug fixes from the main branch to multiple release branches efficiently.
What challenges do developers face with manual cherry-picking?
Manual cherry-picking is a tedious and time-consuming process that can lead to skipped steps or neglected tasks, resulting in bugs resurfacing in future releases. The Automated Cherry-pick app addresses these challenges by streamlining the workflow.
Key Statistics & Figures
Time saved per cherry-pick
99.6%
This percentage reflects the reduction in time spent on cherry-picking commits after implementing the Automated Cherry-pick app.
Manual cherry-pick time
10+ minutes
Before automation, cherry-picking a commit could take multiple developers over 10 minutes.
Cherry-pick PRs created
54
In three months, the LI-AGP team used cherry-pick automation to create 54 cherry-pick PRs.
Technologies & Tools
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Version Control
Github
Used for managing code repositories and facilitating the cherry-picking process through pull requests.
Automation
Automated Cherry-pick Github App
Automates the cherry-picking process to improve developer productivity.
Key Actionable Insights
1Implementing automation for repetitive tasks can dramatically enhance team productivity.By reducing the time spent on mundane tasks like cherry-picking, teams can focus on higher-value activities, leading to better project outcomes and faster delivery.
2Utilize GitHub Apps to integrate automation into your development workflow.This integration not only saves time but also ensures consistency and reduces the likelihood of human error during the development process.
3Encourage developers to adopt new tools that simplify their workflows.Fostering an environment where developers are open to using automation tools can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and morale.
Common Pitfalls
1
Neglecting to cherry-pick important bug fixes can lead to recurring issues in production.
Developers may skip cherry-picking due to the tedious manual process, resulting in unresolved bugs that resurface in future releases.
Related Concepts
Version Control Best Practices
Automation In Software Development
Continuous Integration And Delivery