Navigating the Challenges of CI/CD for Relational Database Schema Changes

Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) have become essential practices in modern software development, streamlining the process of integrating changes and delivering new features. However, managing relational database schema changes alongside code in CI/CD pipelines presents unique challenges.

In this talk, we will explore the hurdles developers face when incorporating schema updates into their CI/CD workflows and present practical solutions using tools like Liquibase and Flyway, as well as custom scripting techniques. We will discuss best practices for managing database migrations, schema versioning, and strategies for handling breaking changes. Additionally, we will delve into common pitfalls and how to avoid them, ensuring smoother and more reliable database updates. By the end of the session, you will gain valuable insights and techniques to effectively manage relational database schema changes in their CI/CD pipelines, resulting in more robust and maintainable software systems.

About Michael Carducci

Michael Carducci spent years learning to see things as they actually are; first as a magician, then as a software architect, now as both simultaneously. And somehow that’s not even the whole story.

He’s the author of Mastering Software Architecture (Apress, 2025) and is currently writing The Semantic Layer. He has spent over 25 years following interesting problems; through roles from individual contributor to CTO and back again, across industries and continents.

As a speaker, he applies the same toolkit he uses in close-up magic: attention, misdirection, timing, storytelling, and the instinct to take the long way around when that’s where the truth lives. Audiences at hundreds of conferences across four continents have described his talks as the kind that change how you think about a problem rather than just what you know about it.

He also makes YouTube videos about technology and curiosity with his wife Kate, because some ideas are too important (or too interesting!) to leave only in conference rooms.

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