What is a release pipeline and how does it differ from a build pipeline?

Short answer: What is a release pipeline and how does it differ from a build pipeline? Answer: A build pipeline (CI) compiles, tests, and packages your code — it produces artifacts. A release pipeline (CD) takes those artifacts and deploys them to different environments like Dev, QA, or Production.

Example code

Build Pipeline: Compiles your .NET app and outputs a .zip file. Release Pipeline: Takes that .zip and deploys it to Azure App Service. So, the build pipeline = create, and release pipeline = deliver.

Real-world example (ShopNest)

ShopNest’s YAML pipeline builds on every PR, runs unit tests, then deploys to a staging slot on main-branch merges.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.