What is Continuous Integration? — UK Software Development Guide
Direct Answer
Continuous Integration (CI) is a software development practice where developers frequently merge code changes into a shared repository — typically several times per day. Each merge triggers an automated build and test suite, catching integration problems early before they accumulate. CI was popularised by Kent Beck as part of Extreme Programming (XP) and is now a standard practice across UK software development.
Continuous-integration in the UK
CI has specific UK Cyber Essentials implications. The patch management control requires high-risk vulnerabilities to be fixed and deployed within 14 days. A CI pipeline with automated dependency vulnerability scanning (Dependabot, Snyk) and fast deployment capability is the only practical way to meet this requirement for complex software. UK government digital services (GDS Service Standard Point 11) require teams to "use and contribute to open standards" — CI pipeline configuration should be version-controlled and openly documented within the team.
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