Code Freeze
Code freeze is a software development practice where changes to the source code of a project are temporarily halted, typically before a major release or deployment. It ensures stability by preventing new features or bug fixes from being introduced, allowing teams to focus on testing, bug fixing, and final preparations without the risk of last-minute disruptions. This practice is common in release management to minimize errors and ensure a smooth delivery process.
Developers should implement code freezes during critical phases like pre-release testing, production deployments, or major updates to reduce instability and avoid introducing new bugs. It is particularly useful in agile and waterfall methodologies to maintain control over the codebase, facilitate thorough quality assurance, and coordinate cross-team efforts. Use cases include stabilizing a version for user acceptance testing (UAT) or ensuring a reliable launch for high-traffic applications.