In the world of software engineering, development teams have several options for managing code repositories. Traditional methods involve using multiple repositories for various components of the codebase, while more modern approaches utilize a monorepo to store all code in one central location.
For (Bolt Production)'s engineering team, the decision to switch to a monorepo was an easy one. With the company's focus on streamlining the checkout process, a monorepo offered several benefits that traditional repository systems simply couldn't match.
In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of monorepos, the steps involved in making the transition, and how Bolt's engineering team successfully made the switch to a more efficient development process.
Why Use a Monorepo?
A monorepo provides several benefits that make it an attractive option for software development teams. Perhaps the most significant advantage is the ability to have all code in one location. This means that developers can easily reference any code within the repository, and code duplication is virtually eliminated.
Another significant benefit is the ability to standardize development processes across the organization. With all code in one location, developing and deploying new features becomes much more straightforward. Furthermore, the shared codebase promotes collaboration and teamwork, allowing team members to easily identify areas for improvement and reduce the risk of various team members duplicating work.
Bolt Production's Engineering Transition to a Monorepo
Making the switch to a monorepo is not without its challenges. For Bolt's engineering team, the transition involved several crucial steps to ensure a seamless and successful migration.
One of the essential steps for the transition was creating a clear plan before starting the migration process. This plan included identifying the necessary tools and resources needed, establishing best practices, and outlining a timeline for the migration.
Additionally, Bolt's engineering team made sure to involve all the necessary stakeholders early on, including other teams and senior management. This ensured that everyone was on the same page, and potential obstacles could be quickly identified and addressed.
The team also used automation tools to help streamline the process as much as possible. This included tools for build automation, deployment, and code analysis, all of which significantly reduced the amount of time needed for the migration.
Another crucial aspect of the transition was ensuring proper testing and quality control throughout the process. The team carried out extensive testing to identify and address any issues before they could impact the production process.
Finally, the team made sure to celebrate the successful migration to a monorepo, both as a way to acknowledge the hard work involved and to encourage further adoption across the organization.
Conclusion
Moving to a monorepo offers several significant benefits for development teams, including streamlined processes, better collaboration, and reduced code duplication. For Bolt's engineering team, the move to a monorepo was just one step in the company's overall effort to optimize its checkout process and improve the customer experience.
The process involved significant planning, clear communication, and a commitment to automation and quality control. But in the end, the team successfully migrated to a more efficient and productive development process, setting the stage for future growth and success.