Django CI Test Optimization

CI optimization should reduce feedback time without reducing confidence. Keep fast local commands and full CI coverage distinct, then make the CI path faster with caching, parallelism, and sensible split points.

CI Workflow

1. Capture current CI timing.

   • Separate dependency install, test database setup, test execution, and artifact upload.
   • Compare CI time with local wall-clock time to spot environment-only overhead.

2. Cache dependencies first.

   • Use CI-native cache primitives for pip or package-manager caches.
   • Cache the package download cache, not an unsafe mutable virtualenv unless the project already supports that pattern.

3. Keep local shortcuts honest.

   • Local runs may skip slow tests or reuse databases.
   • CI should run slow tests and at least one migration-realistic database setup path.