Which statement best describes the role of automated testing in continuous integration?

The statement that automated testing verifies that new code does not break existing functionality accurately captures a fundamental aspect of continuous integration (CI). In CI, the goal is to integrate code changes frequently, allowing teams to detect problems early. Automated testing serves as a safeguard during this process by running a suite of tests every time new code is added. This ensures that any new integration does not introduce regressions or bugs into the existing codebase, maintaining the reliability and stability of the overall system.

This verification process helps developers catch issues quickly, facilitating faster feedback and reducing the risk of defects making it into production. It promotes a culture of quality and accountability, as developers can be more confident in their changes, knowing that they have been automatically tested against a suite of criteria.

This approach contrasts with the idea that automated testing is only necessary at the end of the development cycle, which would undermine the benefits of immediate feedback. Additionally, since automated testing is integral to CI, it is not seen as optional but rather a crucial step to ensure code integrity. Lastly, while automated testing can include performance testing, it encompasses much more, with unit tests, integration tests, and functional tests also being essential elements.