Definition
Application Delivery refers to the entire lifecycle of making software available to end users, from initial development through deployment, operation, and ongoing maintenance. It encompasses the processes, tools, and strategies used to ensure applications are reliable, performant, and secure. This involves a collaborative effort between development, operations, and security teams to streamline the software release cycle. For instance, implementing continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines automates the build, test, and deployment phases, accelerating time to market. It is distinct from application development, which focuses solely on the creation of the software itself. Understanding Application Delivery is crucial for roles tested on CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exams.