What is the difference between continuous integration and continuous deployment?

Question

Accepted Answer

**CI** — merge and test code. **CD** — deploy to production.

**Continuous Integration:**
- Merge code frequently.
- Automated build and test.
- Catch issues early.
- Fast feedback.

```
CI:
Developer → Push → CI Server
  → Build → Test → Report
(Merge and test frequently)
```

**Continuous Deployment:**
- Automated deployment.
- After CI passes.
- Production deployment.
- No manual steps.

```
CD:
CI Passes → Deploy to Staging
  → Deploy to Production
  → Monitor
(Automated deployment)
```

**Continuous Delivery:**
- Like CD but manual approval.
- Human decides when to deploy.

**Key differences:**
- **CI** — merge and test.
- **CD** — deploy.
- **CI** — always automated.
- **CD** — can be manual (Delivery).

Systems Analyst: What is the difference between continuous integration and continuous deployment?