The concept, frequently represented through humorous internet images, encapsulates the practice of performing quality assurance activities within a live, production environment. These activities might include A/B testing, canary releases, or feature toggles. One illustration involves a developer depicted deploying code directly to the active user base without prior staging or testing phases.
This approach allows for real-world user feedback and the identification of issues that may not be apparent in controlled test environments. Its historical context stems from the rapid deployment cycles inherent in modern software development methodologies, where the speed of release often outweighs the perceived risks associated with in-depth pre-production testing. Successfully implemented, this strategy can facilitate quicker iteration and a more responsive product development cycle.
