Advantages of Continuous Integration

Continuous Integration (CI) is a development practice where code changes are frequently integrated into a shared repository, followed by automated testing. This practice offers several advantages that help maintain code quality and streamline the development process.

Exam Question

What are three advantages of Continuous Integration?
(choose the best three answers)
A. Broken builds are detected quickly.
B. Readability of code is improved.
C. The software is generally kept in a buildable state.
D. Know immediately how a check-in affected the build.

Correct Answers

A. Broken builds are detected quickly.
C. The software is generally kept in a buildable state.
D. Know immediately how a check-in affected the build.

Explanation

Correct Answers

A. Broken builds are detected quickly:
One of the key advantages of Continuous Integration is that it quickly identifies when a build is broken. Since CI involves automatically testing the code with every integration, any issues are detected immediately, allowing developers to address them before they become larger problems.

C. The software is generally kept in a buildable state:
Continuous Integration helps ensure that the software is always in a buildable state. Because the code is integrated and tested frequently, developers can catch issues early, preventing them from accumulating and making the code unbuildable. This practice supports maintaining a stable and functioning codebase.

D. Know immediately how a check-in affected the build:
With CI, every code check-in triggers an automated build and test process, providing immediate feedback on how the changes affected the overall build. This instant feedback loop allows developers to understand the impact of their changes and make necessary adjustments quickly.

Why the Other Option Is Less Appropriate

B. Readability of code is improved:
While Continuous Integration offers many advantages, improving code readability is not one of them. Code readability is typically improved through practices like code reviews, adhering to coding standards, and writing clear, maintainable code. CI focuses more on maintaining code quality through automated testing and integration rather than directly improving code readability.

Relevance to the PSD Exam

Understanding the benefits of Continuous Integration is crucial for the PSD exam. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stable and high-quality codebase through frequent integration and testing.

Key Takeaways

• Broken builds are detected quickly through CI, allowing developers to fix issues promptly.
• The software is kept in a buildable state, preventing the accumulation of problems that could disrupt the development process.
• Immediate feedback is provided on how each check-in affects the build, ensuring that developers can react quickly to any issues.

Conclusion

Continuous Integration offers significant advantages, including quick detection of broken builds, maintaining a buildable state for the software, and providing immediate feedback on the impact of code changes. These benefits help ensure that the development process remains smooth and efficient. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.