Getting Started with Continuous Packaging

Continuous Packaging (CP) is a crucial component of secure software development processes, providing a glue layer between CI and CD pipelines by storing and delivering packages securely and efficiently across all package formats and languages. The lack of provenance in traditional software supply chains makes them vulnerable to attacks, but CP provides a verifiable "Single Source of Truth" for all packages, images, or artifacts consumed or produced during CI processes. It also offers isolation, protection from vulnerabilities, and license management, allowing teams to control package availability, protect against security threats, and manage licenses effectively. By implementing CP, teams can accelerate their software development pipelines while promoting collaboration and providing a uniform experience for distributed teams. Cloudsmith's Package Delivery Network (PDN) is an example of a cloud-native tool that provides universal package support, controls, and availability, making it an ideal solution for introducing CP into CI/CD pipelines.