Continuous Integration
Continuous Integration (CI) is the practice of frequently merging code changes into a shared repository, where automated builds and tests verify each integration to detect problems early.
Explanation
Continuous Integration requires developers to integrate their work frequently, typically multiple times per day. Each integration triggers an automated build and test process that verifies the change does not break existing functionality. This practice reduces integration risk by catching conflicts and defects early when they are small and easy to fix.
CI builds on several supporting practices: maintaining a single source repository, automating the build process, making the build self-testing, keeping the build fast, and ensuring everyone can see the results. When CI is working well, the team always has a working version of the software that can be demonstrated or deployed.
CI is a foundational practice for agile teams because it supports the agile principle of delivering working software frequently. It reduces the risk of big-bang integration, where large batches of changes are merged together and produce unpredictable results. CI is an XP practice that has become an industry standard.
Key Points
- •Developers integrate code changes multiple times per day
- •Automated builds and tests verify each integration
- •Detects conflicts and defects early when they are easy to fix
- •Foundation for continuous delivery and deployment practices
Exam Tip
Continuous Integration is about integrating frequently and catching issues early through automation. It is the foundation for continuous delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Extreme Programming (XP)
Extreme Programming (XP) is an agile software development framework that emphasizes technical excellence and engineering practices such as pair programming, test-driven development, continuous integration, and frequent releases.
Test-Driven Development (TDD)
Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a software development practice where developers write a failing test before writing the production code that makes it pass, following a red-green-refactor cycle.
Refactoring
Refactoring is the practice of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior to improve its readability, reduce complexity, and make it easier to maintain.
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Part of
Agile & Hybrid
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