CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery)
Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery
A system that automates testing and release preparation so software can be delivered to users quickly and safely
In Simple Terms
CI/CD refers to a system that automatically handles the entire process from code changes through testing and release preparation. The CI part (Continuous Integration) merges code changes frequently into a single shared location and runs automated tests each time, catching bugs early in the process. The CD part (Continuous Delivery) automatically keeps code that passes tests in a state ready to deploy at any time — there's also an extended form called Continuous Deployment that automates the actual publishing step as well. It's a widely used practice in web service and app development.
Behind the Name
It's short for Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery. CD can also stand for Continuous Deployment. Literally meaning 'integrate continuously, deliver continuously,' it represents keeping what you've built in a state that's always ready to release.
Take a Closer Look!
CI/CD is a software development practice that automates the entire flow from code changes through testing and release preparation.
The CI part — Continuous Integration — is the process of frequently merging your code into a shared repository and running automated tests each time.
Catching and fixing bugs early through this repeated, incremental checking is one of the biggest advantages of the approach.
The CD part — Continuous Delivery — is the process of automatically keeping code that has passed tests in a state that's always ready to release to production.
Continuous Delivery may include a manual approval step before going live; the extended form, Continuous Deployment, automates that final publishing step as well.
By adopting this approach, teams can reduce human error in manual processes and keep development moving smoothly — which is why it's widely used in web service and app development.