We often write the term 'CI/CD' - but what exactly is this CI and what distinguishes it from CD?

In the article "The Difference Between CI and CD," the author elaborates on two pivotal concepts in software engineering. CI, or Continuous Integration, focuses on the regular integration of code into the main branch of a project, allowing for the rapid detection and correction of errors. This process enhances code quality and facilitates collaboration among development teams. On the other hand, CD, or Continuous Delivery, is centered on automating the software release process, enabling teams to deliver new features to users effortlessly. Additionally, CD may also encompass Continuous Deployment, which refers to the automatic deployment of all changes once they pass the relevant tests. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding these distinctions in managing the application lifecycle effectively. Familiarity with CI and CD is essential for any modern software team, and their proper implementation leads to increased efficiency and faster delivery of value to customers.