What role do automated builds play in continuous integration?

Automated builds are a crucial component of continuous integration (CI) because they help maintain the integrity of the application as code changes are implemented. By automating the build process, every change in the codebase can be automatically compiled and tested, which allows for immediate detection of errors or integration issues that might arise from those changes. This functionality ensures that developers receive immediate feedback, enabling them to address any issues promptly before the changes are merged into the main codebase.

The focus of automated builds is primarily on verifying that recent changes have not introduced any defects into the application, thereby supporting a stable and reliable development environment. This is vital for teams practicing continuous integration, as it promotes the practice of integrating smaller, more frequent updates, leading to faster development cycles and reduced overhead in later stages of software development.