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Phase Dependencies

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Phase dependencies control the execution order of phases in a release process. Understanding and properly configuring dependencies is essential for ensuring releases execute in the correct sequence.

What are Phase Dependencies?​

Phase dependencies define which phases must complete before another phase can start. They ensure:

  • Correct execution order
  • Prerequisites are met
  • Data and artifacts are available
  • Validation occurs before deployment

Dependency Types​

Sequential Dependencies​

One phase must complete before another starts:

process:
  phases:
    - phase:
        id: build_phase
        name: Build Phase
        depends-on: []
    - phase:
        id: test_phase
        name: Test Phase
        depends-on:
          - build_phase
    - phase:
        id: deploy_phase
        name: Deploy Phase
        depends-on:
          - test_phase

Execution Flow:

Build → Test → Deploy

Multiple dependencies​

One phase can depend on multiple phases. In the following example, PhasEnd1 depends on multiple phases:

process:
  phases:
    - phase:
        id: PhasEnd1
        name: PhasEnd1
        depends-on:
          - deploy_phase
          - Phase000U
          - test_phase
          - build_phase

Dependency Configuration​

Basic Dependency​

Simple dependency declaration:

phase:
  id: test_phase
  name: Test Phase
  depends-on:
    - build_phase

Common Dependency Patterns​

Linear Chain​

Sequential phases in a chain:

Phase 1 → Phase 2 → Phase 3 → Phase 4

Best Practices​

Minimize Dependencies​

Only add necessary dependencies:

  • Recommended: Essential prerequisites
  • Avoid: Unnecessary blocking

Clear Dependency Logic​

Make dependencies explicit and understandable:

  • Use descriptive phase names
  • Document dependency reasons
  • Avoid implicit dependencies

Optimize for Parallelism​

Structure dependencies to enable parallel execution:

  • Identify independent phases
  • Minimize sequential bottlenecks
  • Group related dependencies

Validate Early​

Check dependencies during process creation:

  • Validate dependency chains
  • Detect cycles
  • Identify unreachable phases

Troubleshooting​

Phase Not Starting​

Check:

  • All dependencies completed successfully
  • No blocking conditions
  • Phase is not skipped
  • No errors in dependencies

Unexpected Execution Order​

Verify:

  • Dependency configuration
  • Conditional logic
  • Parallel execution settings
  • Phase status