What is typically the first stage in a CI pipeline?

Version control is essential in a Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline because it serves as the foundation upon which the entire CI process is built. The first stage involves managing the codebase within a version control system, where developers commit their code changes. This structured approach enables teams to collaborate effectively, track code history, and manage different versions of the software.

By utilizing a version control system, developers can seamlessly integrate their changes into a shared repository. This set-up is crucial for triggering subsequent stages of the CI pipeline, such as building, testing, and deployment. Essentially, version control ensures that all modifications are documented and organized, thereby reducing the risk of conflicts and maintaining a clean workflow from the outset.

While building, testing, and deployment are integral components of a CI pipeline, they rely on having a well-managed version control system in place first. Thus, without effective version control, the subsequent stages in the CI process cannot be executed successfully.