pull-based deploy
also: pull deployment, self-service deployment
A deployment model where target servers actively fetch and deploy application code from a central repository, rather than having code pushed to them.
In a pull-based deployment, each server runs an agent or service that periodically checks a source repository (like Git) for new code. When updates are detected, the server automatically pulls the changes and applies them locally, without requiring an external system to initiate the deployment.
This contrasts with push-based deployments, where a central CI/CD system actively sends code to target servers. Pull-based approaches offer advantages like reduced network complexity, easier firewall configuration (only outbound connections needed), and decentralized control where each server manages its own deployment timing.
Example: A fleet of web servers each runs a cron job that checks a Git repository every 5 minutes. When new commits are detected, the servers pull the changes, run tests, and restart the application automatically—all without a central deployment server pushing anything to them.