In today’s technological world, it has become even more necessary for companies to optimize the quality, efficiency, and reliability of their business teams and operations. But how do they achieve this? The answer is through continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment.
These three systems have become popular amongst several modern development teams, thanks to their ability to build, test, and deploy codes safely for production. This article highlights what continuous integration is as well as the benefits of some of the top benefits.
So What is continuous integration?
Continuous integration is a process that occurs when several software developers work on a specific project together. During this process, all developers involved in the project work on the same code, continuously integrating their code changes into the project as and when needed.
With every change comes an automatic update that every developer is made aware of through notifications. Using continuous integration, every small change made to the code is recorded in the system allowing for easy collaboration, scalability, and sustainability of the software code.
When used as a strategy, continuous integration becomes an integral part of any agile software development system, enabling large software development teams to work in unison, no matter where they are located geographically.
Integration improves code coverage
Thanks to continuous integration continuous delivery servers, every piece of code you work on is high quality, always matching your development standard. How? The servers check all code inputs for test coverage. Inputting new software code without testing it can drastically reduce the team’s motivation, especially when the code comes with a low coverage percentage.
With CI servers and their consistent tests, you get to witness a steady increase in code coverage. This acts as a great motivator for the dev team to put their codes through more testing sessions, helping maintain code quality no matter the project.
It allows for smaller code changes
There are many non-technical benefits of using CI servers. Still, the essential technical benefit it delivers is the ability to apply changes to your software code in bits and pieces. Without continuous integration, developers usually upload a large batch of code changes, resulting in errors that are tough to identify.
The time spent looking for the source of errors and inaccuracies often prevents the team from moving forward with the project, which can affect the company’s overall productivity. With smaller code changes, running code coverage tests are easier, and issues were identified earlier. You’re also able to rectify any occurring issue in record time before too much work is added.
Continuous integration eliminates repetitive processes
Your development team always seeks to improve the quality of their work since that enables your company to engage in healthy competition with other companies in your industry. One of the easiest ways to ensure that every piece of code written meets your quality standard is by eliminating repetitive processes.
Repetitive processes can be avoided with continuous integration. This involves using automation as well as performance testing all the code according to a set of project standards. You and your development team set these standards based on the vision for the company and all your projects. Automation ensures seamless workflow and that all codes imputed are tested in the same way before production.
It improves customer satisfaction
Your customers deserve the best when interacting with products, especially for the first time. Your customers’ first experience will determine whether they become loyal customers or if they end up looking for other alternatives. Keep customers happy by making great use of first impressions.
This means using continuous integration and deployment to work on new features and bug fixes instantly as a team. Keep abreast with all new technologies and ensure that your product is always updated.
The better your systems, the better your product. And the better your product, the more dependable it is. With a dependable product, your company saves time and money.
