Understanding Continuous Integration
Continuous Integration (CI) is a fundamental practice in modern software development, ensuring that code changes are integrated, tested, and verified frequently to detect errors as early as possible.
Exam Question
Which of the following best describes Continuous Integration?
(choose the best answer)
A. A software development practice that continuously integrates feedback from users into software design.
B. A software development practice where the Developers integrate and verify their work frequently, often multiple times each day, to detect integration errors as quickly as possible.
C. A software development practice used by Integration Teams to create best practice branching and merging strategies.
D. A software development practice where the Developers all work on the same computer to ensure a common code base.
Correct Answer
B. A software development practice where the Developers integrate and verify their work frequently, often multiple times each day, to detect integration errors as quickly as possible.
Explanation
Correct Answer
B. A software development practice where the Developers integrate and verify their work frequently, often multiple times each day, to detect integration errors as quickly as possible:
Continuous Integration (CI) is a software development practice where Developers frequently merge their code changes into a shared repository. Each integration is verified by an automated build and tests to detect integration errors as soon as possible. By integrating work frequently, teams can detect and fix bugs early, improving the quality of the software and reducing the time it takes to deliver new features.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
A. A software development practice that continuously integrates feedback from users into software design:
While integrating user feedback is essential, this description does not accurately define Continuous Integration. CI specifically refers to the practice of frequently integrating and testing code changes.
C. A software development practice used by Integration Teams to create best practice branching and merging strategies:
This option incorrectly focuses on integration teams and branching strategies rather than the core concept of CI, which involves frequent integration and testing of code by the Developers themselves.
D. A software development practice where the Developers all work on the same computer to ensure a common code base:
This description is unrelated to Continuous Integration. CI does not require Developers to work on the same computer; instead, it involves frequent code integration into a shared repository, supported by automated builds and tests.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding Continuous Integration is crucial for the PSD exam, as it highlights the importance of integrating and testing code frequently to maintain high quality and reduce integration issues.
Key Takeaways
- Continuous Integration: A practice where Developers frequently integrate and test their code to detect and fix integration errors early.
- Automated Testing: CI relies on automated builds and tests to ensure that the integrated code remains stable and functional.
Conclusion
Continuous Integration is a critical practice in software development that helps teams maintain high code quality and quickly detect integration errors. By integrating and testing code frequently, teams can deliver software more reliably and efficiently. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
