The problem with plugins

What this post added

This post highlights the inherent risks and maintenance burdens associated with plugin-based extensibility in CI/CD systems, using Jenkins as a primary example. It details security vulnerabilities stemming from third-party plugins, the fragility of pipelines due to complex dependency chains, and the significant administrative overhead required for plugin maintenance and upgrades. The post contrasts this plugin-centric approach with an all-in-one solution, suggesting that while plugins offer customization, they introduce significant technical debt and security concerns. It briefly mentions GitLab's use of plugins but implies a preference for integrated solutions for core functionalities.