Learn about continuous integration systems in DevOps and how you can use them to improve your software development process .
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Continuous integration (CI) systems contribute to the DevOps methodology, automating the integration of code changes to a central repository. Here are some important things to know:
DevOps is a high-demand field that utilizes continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) to develop quality software efficiently.
Continuous integration systems help you automate code testing, identify errors, and correct them during the early stages of the software development lifecycle.
You can implement continuous integration systems in roles like software developer and DevOps engineer.
Explore how continuous integration systems can help you increase the productivity of your software development and promote bug-free code. If you鈥檙e ready to take the next step and start working with DevOps tools, consider earning the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate.听
Continuous integration systems have distinct features that provide support during the development process, including the CI server, central code repository, and automated code testing and building. These features enable developers to work independently on different parts of a software project without interfering with one another, since the CI system validates and merges the changes from various areas. Each feature contributes in the following ways:
CI server: The CI server powers CI systems, manages the flow of information that enters the central repository, and ultimately, initiates code testing and building.
Central code repository: The central code repository stores all information, including source code, libraries, test scripts, and databases, and version control systems track changes here.
Code testing: Through automated testing, CI systems make sure code follows quality standards and run these tests every time an update occurs, prior to merging it with the rest of the code.
Code building: Code building occurs automatically when the CI server detects updates to the code in the central repository, signaling a build response based on predetermined build scripts, where a usable application is then produced by compiling the code.
Imagine, for example, that you are working on developing a mobile application and want to update a specific design feature. You can make changes to the code, and the continuous integration system will automatically perform tests. It will either return the code to you for correction, repeat the process, or move it along through to the central repository, where it鈥檚 merged with the rest of the software.
Building in continuous integration occurs when the central code repository receives a change to the code, and the CI systems then execute the build process according to build scripts. The version control system tracks these changes and automatically tests them to ensure they work correctly. By testing code changes frequently, CI systems identify and address flaws in the code early in the process, when they鈥檙e a simpler fix, and minimize conflicts when merging with other code. Following a software build, the CI system documents information such as success rates and integration attempts, as well as compiled code for any ensuing testing.听
Continuous integration is especially beneficial for embedded systems because the testing process for embedded systems takes more time, which the automation from CI systems helps mitigate. Embedded systems are unique in that they鈥檙e built into devices such as vehicles or wearable devices rather than typical computers. This presents unique challenges, some of which continuous integration can help address in embedded systems. For example, continuous integration for embedded systems helps meet high security expectations through early bug detection and adherence to requisite industry standards for code quality.
Continuous integration describes the process of automatically testing and integrating code changes to a software program, while continuous deployment is the actual release of these changes into production for the end user.
CI/CD tools make it easier for you to automate continuous integration, development, and deployment tasks, with options available that focus on specific areas of CI/CD. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly prominent in CI/CD tools, supporting features like automatic code correction. Examples of CI/CD tools include:
Jenkins: Jenkins offers flexibility since you can use it as either a CI system or for continuous delivery, and Jenkins integrates with most other CI/CD tools.
Tekton: With Tekton, you can develop CI/CD systems on cloud platforms for testing, building, and deployment.
GitLab CI/CD: When working in the GitLab environment, GitLab CI/CD makes it possible to automate both testing and deployment.
GitHub Actions: Allowing for integration with GitHub version control capabilities, GitHub Actions supports automated building, testing, and deployment directly from your code on GitHub.
Read more: What is CI/CD?
CI systems are valuable in roles like DevOps engineer and software developer. Along with understanding CI/CD, important skills to focus on obtaining for a career in software development include programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, C++, and Linux, as well as knowledge of databases, version control systems, and data structures and algorithms. You can obtain software development skills by earning a relevant degree, such as a bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science, through coding boot camps, or online courses, including those on 糖心vlog官网观看.
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