Drone.io vs Gerrit Code Review: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Drone.io and Gerrit Code Review are two popular tools used in the software development process. Here, we will outline the key differences between these two tools.

1. Integration with Version Control Systems: Drone.io has strong integration with various Version Control Systems (VCS) such as GitHub, Bitbucket, GitLab, and others, making it easier for developers to set up and use. On the other hand, Gerrit Code Review primarily focuses on integration with Git, offering more advanced code review features specific to Git repositories.

2. Continuous Integration vs. Code Review Focus: Drone.io is primarily a Continuous Integration tool, focusing on automating the build, testing, and deployment processes in software development. In contrast, Gerrit Code Review is specifically designed for code reviews, providing a platform for developers to collaborate, review, and approve changes before they are merged into the codebase.

3. Licensing and Open Source Community: Drone.io is licensed under the Apache License 2.0 and has a thriving open-source community contributing to its development and support. On the other hand, Gerrit Code Review is maintained by Google and released under the Apache License 2.0, with continuous contributions from the open-source community.

4. User Interface and User Experience: Drone.io offers a modern and intuitive user interface, making it easier for developers to navigate and configure pipelines and workflows. Conversely, Gerrit Code Review has a more traditional and text-based interface focused on providing detailed code review capabilities and feedback mechanisms for developers.

5. Extensibility and Plugin Ecosystem: Drone.io provides a robust plugin ecosystem that allows developers to extend its functionality and integrate with various third-party services and tools. In contrast, Gerrit Code Review has a more limited plugin ecosystem, with a focus on providing core code review features and integrations with specific tools like Jenkins for Continuous Integration.

6. Authentication and Security Features: Drone.io offers flexible authentication options, including support for OAuth, LDAP, and other authentication mechanisms, along with role-based access control for securing pipelines and workflows. On the other hand, Gerrit Code Review emphasizes secure code review processes, with features like signed-off-by tags and integration with identity providers for authentication and authorization.

Summary: In summary, Drone.io focuses on Continuous Integration with broad VCS support and a modern UI, while Gerrit Code Review specializes in code reviews for Git repositories with a strong emphasis on security and collaboration.