Continuous Integration consists of integrating changes to the computer code of a software project on a continual basis, in order to detect and immediately correct any errors. In this article, we will discover the precise definition and benefits of this practice.
The development of a software is a journey fraught with pitfalls. However, some practices and methodologies make the experience less time-consuming. This is the case of Continuous Integration.
This practice aims to avoid integration problems, which can quickly become infernal for developers.
Continuous Integration: what is it?
Continuous Integration is a practice of continually integrating changes into a project, and testing them at least once a day or more. In general, each member of a team integrates his work at least once a day. Thus, every day, many integrations are made.
Each integration is verified and tested by an automatic build, so as to discover integration errors as quickly as doable. This approach usually reduces the number of integration problems and permits a team to develop their computer code quicker.
In fact, automating build, test and deployment processes greatly simplifies development. Integrating changes more frequently also helps to detect errors more quickly, to avoid unpleasant surprises that may occur due to an error several months ago.
Continuous Integration: what are the advantages?
Continuous Integration has many advantages. First, it reduces the risks associated with integration. In fact, many people often work on separate tasks as part of a project. However, the greater the number of people working on the same project, the riskier the integration. In case of problems, debugging and resolving can be very difficult and require many changes in the code. By integrating changes daily or even more frequently, the risk is minimized.
Another advantage of this practice is that it improves the quality of the code. Developers, no longer having to worry about problems, can focus more on the proper functioning of the code. The quality of the finished product is improved.
For its half, the QA team is in a position to isolate and trace bugs with a better efficiency because of the various versions and builds of the code. Finally, Continuous Integration also makes it attainable to deploy projects quicker because of automation.
If you want more details about the Continuous Integration and why automation is good for your endeavors, contact us and we’ll provide all the information you’ll need.
