What does continuous integration involve in software development?

Continuous integration (CI) is a crucial practice in software development that focuses on the frequent integration of code changes into a shared repository. This approach emphasizes the importance of merging code regularly, typically several times a day, to ensure that new contributions are quickly and efficiently incorporated into the project. Each change is usually accompanied by automated tests that are run to verify that the new code does not introduce errors or conflicts, thereby maintaining the integrity of the software.

By integrating code changes frequently, CI helps to identify integration issues early in the development process, reducing the complexity and time required for later stages of development. It promotes a collaborative environment where developers can work together more effectively, as the shared codebase is kept up-to-date and stable.

In contrast, creating separate branches for each developer can lead to a fragmented codebase, making integration more challenging later on. Deploying code only at the end of the project can result in significant delays and bugs that are harder to track down after a long development cycle. Writing code without testing undermines the reliability and quality of the software, as it doesn't ensure that new changes are functioning as intended or compatible with existing code. Continuous integration, with its focus on frequent updates and automated testing, thus provides a structured and efficient workflow that enhances