CONTINUOUS INTEGRATION Meaning and
Definition
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Continuous integration is a software development practice that involves constantly and automatically merging code changes from multiple team members into a central repository. It is a fundamental aspect of agile software development methodologies and aims to improve collaboration, streamline development processes, and increase the quality and stability of software products.
In continuous integration, developers frequently integrate their code changes into a shared codebase. Automated tools are used to verify the integration and assess the functionality and correctness of the software. This verification process often involves building and testing the code against a set of predefined criteria or automated tests. The tests can include unit tests, integration tests, and other forms of validation to ensure that the code is functioning as intended and does not introduce any new issues.
The primary goal of continuous integration is to catch and address integration issues early in the development lifecycle, thus reducing the risk of conflicting or broken code. By continuously integrating smaller chunks of code, developers can identify and resolve problems quickly, preventing them from accumulating and becoming more difficult to fix. This practice also helps to foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork among developers, as they need to frequently communicate and coordinate their changes to maintain code stability.
Continuous integration is often supported by various tools and technology, including version control systems, build servers, and automated testing frameworks. Such tools streamline the integration process, providing developers with feedback on code quality, detecting issues, and promoting continuous improvement.
Etymology of CONTINUOUS INTEGRATION
The word "continuous integration" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two separate words: "continuous" and "integration".
"Continuous" comes from the Latin word "continuus", which means "uninterrupted" or "ongoing". It is derived from the verb "continere", meaning "to hold" or "to contain".
"Integration" comes from the Latin word "integrare", which means "to make whole" or "to renew". It is derived from the verb "integere", meaning "to bring together" or "to complete".
When combined, "continuous integration" refers to the practice of frequently merging code changes in a software development project to ensure the smooth integration of new updates and prevent integration issues.
