Continuous Integration
// Definition
The practice of merging code changes to a shared branch frequently, with automated builds and tests running on every change. Catches integration issues early and keeps the main branch always shippable.
// Related terms
Continuous Delivery
Automating the path from commit to a production-ready artifact. Every change is potentially deployable; the actual deploy may require a manual approval gate.
Build
The process of compiling source code and packaging it into a runnable artifact. Also refers to the resulting artifact and a numbered identifier for that specific output.
Pipeline
An automated, ordered sequence of stages — typically build, test, scan, deploy — that code passes through from commit to release. Enforces quality gates between stages.
Learn more · CI/CD for QA Engineers
Chapter 1 · Lesson 3: Continuous Integration vs Continuous Delivery vs Continuous Deployment