Definition
A Canary deployment is a strategy for releasing new software versions to a small subset of users before a full rollout. This controlled release allows teams to test the new version in a production environment with minimal risk. The process involves directing a small percentage of traffic to the new version while the majority continues to use the stable, older version. This approach is crucial for identifying and mitigating bugs or performance issues early, preventing widespread disruption. For instance, a mobile app update might first be deployed to 5% of users to monitor for crashes or negative feedback. Unlike blue-green deployments which switch all traffic at once, Canary deployments gradually shift users, offering more granular control. This concept is frequently tested on AWS certifications and cloud security exams.