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Continuous integration
Definition:
Continuous integration is a software development practice where team members integrate their code changes frequently, typically multiple times a day. Each integration is verified by an automated build and automated tests to detect integration errors quickly. The goal of continuous integration is to improve collaboration among team members, reduce integration issues, and ensure that the software is always in a deployable state.
The Concept of Continuous Integration in Agile Software Development
Continuous Integration (CI) is a key concept in Agile software development practices, specifically within Extreme Programming (XP) methodology. CI is a software development practice where members of a team integrate their work frequently, usually multiple times a day. Each integration is verified by an automated build (including tests) to detect integration errors quickly.
Key aspects of Continuous Integration include:
- Frequency: Developers integrate their code changes multiple times a day instead of waiting for long periods. This ensures that any issues are identified and resolved early.
- Automated Builds: CI relies on automated tools to build and test the integrated code. This automation helps in quickly detecting errors, ensuring the code is always in a deployable state.
- Test Automation: CI involves running automated tests to verify that the integrated code functions correctly and does not break any existing functionality. This helps in maintaining software quality and stability.
- Continuous Feedback: CI provides immediate feedback to developers about the impact of their changes, enabling them to address issues promptly and iterate on improvements.
By implementing Continuous Integration, teams can enhance collaboration, improve software quality, and accelerate the development process. CI plays a crucial role in Agile methodologies by facilitating rapid and frequent integration of code changes, which aligns with the principles of iterative development and continuous improvement.
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