What does continuous integration (CI) facilitate in automation testing?

Continuous integration (CI) is a development practice that facilitates the frequent integration of code changes into a shared repository, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and quality of the software being developed. By automatically running tests on every code change integrated into the repository, CI ensures that new updates do not break existing features or functionalities. This ongoing process allows development teams to identify and address issues quickly, leading to faster feedback and more reliable software releases.

The practice of continuous integration supports automation testing by enabling a consistent and automated approach to validate each change made to the codebase. It diminishes the likelihood of integration challenges, as regular testing helps to uncover errors as soon as they are introduced. This continuous feedback loop promotes a more agile development environment and enhances collaboration among team members.

In contrast, testing only before a product release limits the frequency of feedback and increases the risk of encountering significant issues late in the development lifecycle. Likewise, manual deployment processes contradict CI principles, as they are often slower and more prone to human error. Lastly, while performance testing in isolated environments can be important, it doesn't encapsulate the broader purpose CI serves in facilitating regular code integration and testing.