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Deploying Legacy Methods in a CI/CD World: When It Makes Sense

Alex Silva -

In today’s tech landscape, CI/CD pipelines have revolutionized software delivery, automating build, test, and deployment processes to ensure rapid and reliable updates. Tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, and GitLab CI/CD have made deployments seamless and predictable. However, there are still instances where traditional deployment methods like FTP, SFTP, or rsync remain relevant — especially for simpler projects like static HTML websites.

The Case for Legacy Deployment Methods

While modern CI/CD practices dominate, traditional deployment methods have their place. Here’s why they’re still worth considering:

1. Simplicity of Requirements

Not every project needs a full-fledged CI/CD pipeline. Many static websites or lightweight applications can thrive with simpler deployment processes, such as:

  • A static HTML website hosted on a shared server.
  • A micro-application without backend dependencies.
  • Projects that don’t require server-side runtime environments.

In such cases, FTP or rsync offers a faster and more straightforward solution than setting up a complex pipeline.

2. Infrastructure Constraints

Legacy or shared hosting environments often lack support for modern automation tools. For example:

  • Older servers may not support SSH or containerized deployments.
  • Shared hosting environments may only allow FTP or limited rsync configurations.

In such scenarios, legacy deployment methods remain a practical choice.

3. Cost Efficiency

Setting up and maintaining a sophisticated CI/CD pipeline can be overkill for smaller-scale or personal projects. Traditional methods like FTP and rsync offer a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing functionality.

4. Quick Iteration for Prototypes

For rapid prototyping or proof-of-concept designs, deploying via FTP or rsync is often faster. These methods avoid the time and complexity of configuring pipeline infrastructure, allowing developers to focus on iteration.

Modernizing Legacy Workflows

While traditional methods may lack automation, it’s possible to modernize them with a few tweaks. Here’s how you can bridge the gap between legacy and modern deployment practices:

1. Use Deployment Scripts

Automation can simplify repetitive tasks. A well-designed bash script can:

  • Build your project using commands like npm run build.
  • Deploy files securely using FTP with TLS or rsync.
  • Provide options for various connection types (e.g., explicit TLS, implicit TLS, or SSH keys).

2. Add Basic Automation

Tools like cron jobs or basic shell scripts can automate routine deployments, acting as lightweight CI/CD alternatives without requiring complex setups.

3. Ensure Secure Transfers

While plain FTP is insecure, leveraging secure channels like FTP with TLS or SFTP ensures data integrity and confidentiality during deployments.

Balancing Legacy and Modern Approaches

For projects initially deployed using legacy methods, it’s important to plan for future scalability:

  • Use version control tools like Git to manage code changes effectively.
  • Gradually modernize workflows by migrating to CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions or Jenkins when project complexity or scale increases.

By taking these steps, you can strike a balance between simplicity and modernization.

Conclusion: When Legacy Methods Are the Right Choice

While legacy deployment methods like FTP and rsync might seem outdated in a CI/CD-driven world, they remain practical for specific use cases. Whether you’re deploying static websites, managing low-complexity projects, or working in resource-constrained environments, these methods can provide secure and efficient results. By integrating automation into traditional workflows, you can maintain efficiency and security without the overhead of full-scale CI/CD setups. Sometimes, simplicity truly is the best solution.