Continuous Integration (CI) (2 minutes)

Continuous Integration (CI) is a practice in software development where team members regularly integrate their individual code changes into a shared remote repository, often several times a day. After each integration, a working version of the project is built, and the software's test suite is run automatically. This process allows for the early identification of defects, errors, flaws, or bugs introduced by changes, helping to maintain code quality and reduce the chances of major issues when combining everyone's work.

Importance of CI

CI offers several key benefits:

• Early Bug Detection: By identifying bugs early, CI minimizes their impact and makes them easier to fix.
• Synchronization: Keeps project contributors up to date with each other’s work, allowing them to benefit from new features as soon as possible.
• Encouragement to Write Tests: Promotes the practice of writing tests, ensuring better code quality.
• Test Automation: Automates the process of running tests, saving time and effort.
• Frequent Testing: Ensures that tests are run frequently, maintaining continuous validation of the software's functionality.

Continuous Deployment (CD) (1 minute)

Continuous Deployment (CD) is an extension of the CI practice that automates the release of software updates to users. This is done for every change that passes all stages of the development pipeline, including automated tests. CD ensures that the software is always in a releasable state and that new features, improvements, and bug fixes are delivered to users quickly and consistently.

Together, CI and CD form a powerful combination that enhances the efficiency, reliability, and speed of the software development process.