What does continuous integration automate in the software development process?

Continuous integration automates the integration of code changes into a shared repository, which is a fundamental practice in modern software development. This process typically involves several key activities: developers frequently commit their code changes to the repository, where automated builds and tests are triggered.

By automating this integration process, teams can detect issues early, improve software quality, and reduce integration problems that often arise when working collaboratively. Continuous integration encourages developers to integrate their work more frequently, allowing teams to address conflicts and bugs swiftly, ultimately leading to a more efficient development workflow. This practice is particularly valuable in agile development environments, where rapid iterations and continuous improvement are essential.

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of software development, do not pertain directly to the main function of continuous integration. Monitoring server performance focuses on the operational aspect of software, user interface design deals with the aesthetics and usability, and project documentation management concerns maintaining records and guides but is not the focus of continuous integration. Thus, the emphasis of continuous integration is squarely on the code integration process.