Continuous Integration (CI) is a software development practice where developers frequently merge code changes into a shared repository. Each integration is automatically tested and validated through build automation, ensuring that new code does not introduce errors or break existing functionality. This practice enhances code quality, accelerates development cycles, and facilitates collaboration among development teams.

CI relies on automated pipelines that detect code changes, trigger builds, and run tests in real-time. Developers commit code changes to version control systems like Git, which then initiate automated testing environments to validate code functionality. If an issue arises, CI systems provide immediate feedback, allowing teams to resolve problems early in the development process.

By integrating changes frequently and running automated tests, CI minimizes the risk of integration conflicts and technical debt. It ensures that software remains in a deployable state, reducing delays in releases and improving overall software stability. CI is a fundamental practice for DevOps teams, enabling faster iteration cycles and more efficient software delivery.