Improving Firmware Reliability through Robust Version Control and Continuous Integration

Authors

Soujanya Reddy Annapareddy

Abstract

Firmware reliability is a critical factor in the functionality and longevity of modern embedded systems. This paper explores strategies to enhance firmware reliability by leveraging robust version control systems (VCS) and continuous integration (CI) practices. Version control enables effective collaboration, change tracking, and rollback mechanisms, while CI ensures automated testing and validation at every stage of development. Together, these methodologies minimize errors, reduce regressions, and accelerate the delivery of stable firmware updates. We discuss best practices for implementing version control tailored to firmware development, including branch management and tagging strategies. Additionally, we outline a CI pipeline optimized for embedded systems, incorporating automated build, testing, and deployment processes. Case studies highlight the tangible improvements in reliability, maintainability, and development efficiency achieved by adopting these practices. Our findings suggest that integrating robust VCS and CI workflows is not only beneficial but essential for sustaining high-quality firmware development in complex, fast-evolving environments.

Keywords

Firmware reliability, Version control systems (VCS), Continuous integration (CI), Embedded systems, Software development, Automated testing, Change management, Branching strategies, Deployment pipelines, Quality assurance

Improving Firmware Reliability through Robust Version Control and Continuous Integration. Soujanya Reddy Annapareddy. 2023. IJIRCT, Volume 9, Issue 3. Pages 1-6. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2501054