Systems
Continuous Integration
Also known as: CI
Plain English
Regularly merging and testing code.
Definition
Continuous glossaryIntegrationIntegration is the process of connecting different systems, tools, or services to work together.Open glossary term is the practice of frequently merging code changes into a shared repository with automated testing.
In practice
Ensures code is regularly tested and integrated to catch issues early.
In context
The practice is the frequency, not the tool. A team with a CI server that merges once a fortnight is running a glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term, not continuous glossaryIntegrationIntegration is the process of connecting different systems, tools, or services to work together.Open glossary term.
The reality
CI is often implemented but poorly maintained, reducing its effectiveness.
Compared with
Continuous Integration vs Continuous Delivery
CI merges and tests changes frequently so problems surface early. glossaryContinuous DeliveryContinuous Delivery is the practice of automatically preparing code for release so it can be deployed at any time.Open glossary term takes every passing glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term to a state where it could be released. CI protects the codebase; CD shortens the path to users.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is continuous integration?
It is merging code frequently with automated tests.
Why is CI important?
It catches issues early and improves quality.
What tools support CI?
Tools like GitHub Actions, Jenkins, and GitLab CI.
What is a common mistake?
Not maintaining tests or glossaryPipelineA pipeline is a sequence of automated steps that process code or data from start to finish.Open glossary term.
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