![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.devopsschool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/CI-Process.png\")
How to get started with continuous integration?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s really easy to get you up and running with the right continuous integration service. Here\u2019s a really short list of basics you need to get started with CI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Implement version control of your choice (Git, Bitbucket, SVN, etc).<\/li>
- Write tests for the critical components in your code base (and treat your tests as production code).<\/li>
- Get a suitable continuous integration and delivery service that will enable you to run those precious tests on every push to the repository and also deploy your builds where you need them.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.devopsschool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/18-02-14_article-illustrations-01.jpg\")
Source- nevercode<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Why is Continuous Integration Important?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CI is extremely important for DevOps teams who need to work at a fast pace and get feedback at regular intervals to discover bugs and regressions. Continuos integration helps in reducing risks for each build and clearing the way to get your valuable features out to customers faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Reduces Risk-<\/strong> The more you test and deploy code, there are fewer chances of risk creeping in which minimizes the threat of breaking and early bug detection and code defects. The earlier the bug is identified the cheaper it is to fix a bug and allows a flawless communication.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid merge conflicts- <\/strong>If you integrate to master frequency, there are fewer code conflicts between your changes and those of others. If you don\u2019t, then the chances of a conflict increase.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Better Communication-<\/strong> Continuous Integration facilitates smooth flow of continuous delivery and its easier to share the base code across the team on a regular basis. When the changed code is shared across the team it results in improved visibility making it clear in terms of communication and consistency so that all the team members are in the same workflow.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Collaboration and co-ownership-<\/strong> When your team checks into master on a daily basis, there are no code silos; everyone can see and integrate with the code of others. Everyone owns the health of the build and the status of the product.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Fast feedback and reducing risks-<\/strong> By making small changes to the master frequently, you get faster feedback about those changes from the rest of your team and the business. This is a key driver for CI, but also for agile and continuous delivery.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There exist several CI tools, depending on the requirement the tools can be selected. Now let’s quickly move on to the list where, we\u2019ve rounded up top 10 leading tools and software in the field of Continuous Integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Jenkins<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.devopsschool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/jenkin-logo.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJenkins is number one open-source automation server in which the central build and continuous integration process take place. It is a self-contained Java-based program with packages for Windows, macOS, and other Unix-like operating systems. With hundreds of plugins available, Jenkins supports building, deploying, and automating for software development projects. Common uses include building projects, running tests, bug detection, code analysis, and project deployment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.devopsschool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Jenkin-Dashboard-1024x609.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFeatures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Jenkins works as a standalone CI server, or you can turn it into a continuous delivery platform for virtually any of your projects<\/li>
- Pre-built packages for Unix, Windows, and OS X ensures an easy installation process<\/li>
- A web interface that can be used to quickly configure your server<\/li>
- Custom plugins for build and source code management, administrative tasks, user interface, and platforms<\/li>
- Deployable across a network of machines, improving performance of builds and tests<\/li>
- Large community with leading software brands involved in development<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Introduction (Get started with Jenkins)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Fast feedback and reducing risks-<\/strong> By making small changes to the master frequently, you get faster feedback about those changes from the rest of your team and the business. This is a key driver for CI, but also for agile and continuous delivery.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Collaboration and co-ownership-<\/strong> When your team checks into master on a daily basis, there are no code silos; everyone can see and integrate with the code of others. Everyone owns the health of the build and the status of the product.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Better Communication-<\/strong> Continuous Integration facilitates smooth flow of continuous delivery and its easier to share the base code across the team on a regular basis. When the changed code is shared across the team it results in improved visibility making it clear in terms of communication and consistency so that all the team members are in the same workflow.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid merge conflicts- <\/strong>If you integrate to master frequency, there are fewer code conflicts between your changes and those of others. If you don\u2019t, then the chances of a conflict increase.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Reduces Risk-<\/strong> The more you test and deploy code, there are fewer chances of risk creeping in which minimizes the threat of breaking and early bug detection and code defects. The earlier the bug is identified the cheaper it is to fix a bug and allows a flawless communication.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n