What is the main benefit of using continuous integration in software development?

Using continuous integration in software development primarily offers the benefit of reducing code errors through early detection. This practice involves frequently integrating code changes into a shared repository, which automatically triggers builds and tests. By doing so, developers can quickly identify when a new change causes a bug or breaks existing functionality. This early detection allows teams to address issues right away rather than allowing them to accumulate, which can lead to more significant problems later in the development cycle.

This approach encourages more frequent testing, which contributes to maintaining higher code quality and reliability. Additionally, issues can often be traced to a smaller set of recent changes, making it easier to identify and fix the root causes of errors. This proactive stance significantly reduces the chances of delivering faulty code to production, enhancing overall software quality.

While the other benefits, such as faster deployment, improved collaboration, and even aspects of testing, play important roles in the agile development process, the cornerstone of continuous integration's value lies in its ability to minimize code errors at the earliest possible stage, leading to a more stable and robust software product.