Continuous Integration
Continuous Integration (CI) is a software development practice where developers frequently merge code changes into a shared repository, typically multiple times a day. Each integration is automatically verified by building the application and running automated tests to detect integration errors early. This approach aims to improve software quality and reduce the time taken to validate and release new updates.
Developers should adopt CI to catch bugs early, reduce integration problems, and accelerate the development cycle, especially in team environments with frequent code changes. It is essential for agile development, DevOps practices, and projects requiring rapid iteration, such as web applications, mobile apps, and microservices architectures. CI helps maintain code stability and enables continuous delivery by automating build and test processes.