CI/CD pipelines are automated workflows used in software development to build, test, and deploy applications efficiently and reliably. 'CI' stands for Continuous Integration, where code changes from multiple contributors are automatically merged, built, and tested, ensuring early detection of issues. 'CD' refers to Continuous Deployment (or Continuous Delivery), which automates the release of validated code to production or staging environments. This process reduces manual intervention, speeds up development cycles, and helps maintain high software quality by enabling frequent, consistent updates. CI/CD pipelines are essential for DevOps practices and modern agile development.