Safe schema updates - Database delivery hell

In this blog post, Alex Yates explores the complexities and challenges associated with database schema updates within IT systems, describing a metaphorical descent through various levels of "hell," such as data, dependency, and global failure issues. These challenges often stem from databases becoming shared back-end services for multiple systems, leading to difficulties in managing dependencies, testing, and deployment coordination. The post highlights the risks of inadequate testing environments and poor source control practices, which can result in unplanned work and technical debt, eventually overwhelming IT teams with maintenance tasks. Yates emphasizes the need to recognize and address these systemic issues before they become insurmountable, advocating for a shift in perspective and methodology to improve software architecture and delivery processes. The article serves as the first part of a series aimed at re-evaluating safety within complex IT systems and suggests that future posts will delve into concepts like resilience, robustness, and loose coupling to foster a safer and more efficient development culture.