What is the first action to take if user feedback indicates increased latency and 500 errors after a canary release?

If user feedback indicates increased latency and 500 errors after a canary release, the most prudent first action is to start monitoring latency, traffic, errors, and saturation. This step is essential because it allows DevOps teams to gather critical metrics and understand the current state of the system. Monitoring these parameters helps to determine the severity and scope of the issue, including how many users are affected and the specific nature of the errors.

By establishing a baseline through real-time monitoring, teams can make informed decisions based on data rather than assumptions. This information is crucial before taking further steps, such as rolling back the release or tracing the errors, since it provides a clearer picture of the system's performance and health. Understanding the impact of the canary release on overall system metrics also aids in determining whether the problem is isolated to the canary deployment or indicative of a more widespread issue.

Gathering data in this manner ultimately supports a more effective response to the issue at hand, ensuring that any corrective actions, including a rollback or further investigation, are based on a solid understanding of the system's behavior following the canary release.