Continuous Integration (CI) is a method used in software development where developers frequently merge their code changes into a shared repository. This process happens several times a day and is automatically tested to make sure everything works smoothly.
Here’s how it works: Whenever a developer finishes working on a piece of code, they upload it to a central location where all team members can access it. Then, automated tests run to check if the new code works well with the existing codebase.
The beauty of CI is that it helps catch any problems early on in the development process. Instead of waiting until the end to test everything, developers find out right away if there are any issues with their code. This saves time and reduces the risk of larger problems down the line.
In short, continuous integration is like having a safety net for your code. It ensures that changes are tested and validated frequently, leading to smoother development and fewer headaches for everyone involved.