Continuous Integration (CI) is a software development practice where developers regularly merge their code changes into a central repository and then automated builds and tests are run. This process aims to detect and resolve integration errors early in the development cycle, ensuring that the codebase remains stable. By automating the build and testing process, CI enables teams to identify and address bugs quickly, improve software quality, and accelerate the delivery of new features. Essentially, CI fosters a culture of frequent integration, leading to more efficient and reliable software development.