The average modern business has a portfolio of useful applications that help streamline everyday business processes like accounting, human resources, and inventory management. The recent developments in cloud-based software applications have caused many organizations to reexamine their network of applications and the way that they communicate with each other. Even a portfolio made up of on-premise applications may have difficulty with the free flow of data or digital transformation.
For these reasons, data integration tools are an integral part of any tech-savvy business model. Poor communication and interrupted data flow across systems or disjointed applications can result in bogged down processes and unnecessary waste of resources. So what is the solution? Continuous integration tools.
What is continuous integration (CI)?
The term “continuous integration” refers to the automation of code integration from multiple sources into a single software project. This practice is integral for DevOps, as it provides developers with the ability to merge changes in code into a centralized repository. Software developers can then use this repository for building and testing.
Without continuous integration, developers have to orchestrate and communicate their code contributions across operations teams manually. This process makes for complex communication and difficulty with synchronization. It is time and resource-consuming, which slows down the creation of code and leaves more space for errors. This development process may be semi-manageable for a small team but can be especially detrimental for organizations with large code databases.
How do continuous integration platforms work?
Continuous integration is made possible by a source code version control system. This control system can be supplemented with several other verifications, for example, unit tests, code quality tests, and syntax style management tools. Continuous integration facilitates effective communication between software engineers and the rest of the organization. This deploying process streamlines lengthy projects and allows independent but parallel work.
How is CI used?
Two of the most essential functions of continuous integration are enhanced automation and collaboration. The best continuous integration tools deploy automated testing that ensures code changes line up with specifications. Since new code must pass through an automated hub of testing, it will be analyzed for regressions prior to implementation within the existing system. CI also allows developers to access and comment on code originating from other team members.
High-performing software teams and developers working with large codebases benefit greatly from build automation and collaboration. While continuous integration is instrumental for software developers, it can also benefit the organization as a whole due to streamlined communication processes. Allowing better insight into software development and delivery can help organization members outside and inside the development team better accommodate one another.
Implementation of a CI system
If an organization does not have a current CI system in place, adoption could require a bit of effort from the software development teams. With any new software, technology comes a learning experience; however, the learning curve depends on an individual organization’s current structure. CI technology requires the expertise of version control systems and hosting infrastructures, in addition to other supporting technologies. In the long run, a CI system is worth the effort a comprehensive deployment process requires. Faster code releases with lower failure rates create an environment of efficiency and productivity.
Without an effective CI pipeline in place, software development teams could be at risk for disconnects in communication, resulting in time and resource-consuming test failures. Additional benefits of continuous integration include improvements in the feedback loop, enhanced scaling capabilities, and seamless code base integration. Industry leaders in data science technology like TIBCO can provide additional information resources regarding the benefits of CI platform implementation and data integration methods overall.