An introduction to build servers and Continuous Integration

Continuous Integration (CI) is a crucial part of software development, allowing teams to streamline code deployment and reduce manual processes by automating the compilation, testing, and packaging of software. This blog post explores the importance of build servers in CI, focusing on Jenkins and GitHub Actions, two popular platforms that facilitate these processes. Jenkins, an open-source and highly flexible CI platform, is known for its scalability and extensive plugin ecosystem, which supports a wide range of automation needs. In contrast, GitHub Actions integrates directly with GitHub repositories, using events to trigger workflows without the need for a separate build server, although it incurs costs for private repositories beyond a free monthly limit. Both platforms enhance the efficiency and reliability of software deployment, with Octopus Deploy offering additional integration options for managing deployments. The blog series further delves into detailed guides and comparisons of these tools, emphasizing the benefits of CI in modern software development.