DevOps vs. Agile is a debate we often hear people talking about. When the agile technique became popular, it changed how we built software and other services. However, after only a few years of being a standard protocol, a serious issue occurred: the methods and objectives of the operations team, which supplied and operated software platforms, needed to be included.
This resulted in DevOps, a methodology that brought together development and operations teams. When discussing the distinguishing features between the two, it is vital to remember that Agile and DevOps can be both unique and collaborative, with both coexisting inside a company.
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DevOps vs. Agile: Goals And Purposes
DevOps is a software development methodology that connects a company’s development and IT operations to increase efficiency and promote practical group cooperation. DevOps is the mix of people, protocols, practices, resources, and technology that makes it possible for code to be released continuously and automatically.
An Agile model is an approach to software development that adheres to the Agile Manifesto principles. It is an adaptive method of product development and project management that emphasizes cooperation among cross-functional teams to seek solutions, obtain user feedback to identify opportunities for improvement, and conduct frequent deployments to uphold deadlines.
The heart of the Agile methodology is constant iteration and small-scale rollouts at the end of each sprint. The main focus of Agile is used to manage complex projects and make required adjustments midway through the project. Alternatively, DevOps emphasizes constant testing and frequent, often hourly, delivery. The primary goal of DevOps is the management of complete engineering and business solutions, emphasizing rapid deployment.
DevOps vs. Agile: Implementation
Agile-style implementation happens in small steps. This is a very beneficial feature in software development as it makes the agile approach best suited to projects that may become irrelevant once completed. The cornerstone of the Agile strategy is that it allows for modifications to the project as it is being created.
In contrast to Agile, successful DevOps strategy implementation demands an effective ‘implementation roadmap’ that includes six essential steps.
- Launch the DevOps Initiative
- Establish DevOps Strategy
- Apply Containerization
- Combine Infrastructure with CI/CD Tools
- More Test Automation and QA-Development Harmony
- Evaluating the Performance of Applications
A successful DevOps implementation plan significantly improves segregated operations and development teams, operation teams’ lack of technical experience, and differences in the goals and objectives of team members.
DevOps vs. Agile: Teams
Team Size
Due to the requirement for continuous workflow, DevOps teams are typically larger than Agile teams. Agile teams can concentrate on one project phase before shifting to another. The team will focus on sprint planning, code implementation, and code testing.
All members of a DevOps team simultaneously work on various elements of development. While some team members write code, another group tests code, while another group monitors the software to determine how it should be modified. DevOps teams must be sufficiently large to support this constant influx of work.
Team Skillset
Although both Agile and DevOps teams divide their members into various roles, a DevOps engineer will likely need a greater understanding of all aspects of development to work effectively. Due to the fact that Agile teams only concentrate on one area of development at a time, employees do not need to be familiar with all roles.
If one individual in a DevOps team cannot work for any reason, another DevOps engineer may make up the shortfall, allowing production to continue. DevOps engineers can also be more costly to hire.
DevOps vs. Agile: Problems and Challenges
Agile programs have unique challenges and difficulties compared to DevOps projects. Some of these problems include
- Communication.
- Handling day-to-day operational challenges.
- Obtaining buy-in from managers, customers, and team members.
- Transforming culture and attitude
- Gathering experience and putting it into practice.
Some concerns and difficulties are unique and result from the organization’s or project’s variations and characteristics.
Now, let’s also look at the most common challenges to DevOps adoption.
- Moving to microservices from traditional infrastructure
- Integrating instruments from various domains
- Altering well-defined procedures with those that are more efficient
- Separate devices prepare for development and operations team Integration of new tools and the resistance to change
Can DevOps and Agile Work Together?
Agile and DevOps professionals possess a similar mentality. Moreover, their objectives are very similar. A DevOps transformation’s ultimate aim is to automate functional code’s deployment into production fully.
The Agile manifesto states unequivocally that the continuous delivery of software to the user is its top goal. Agile and DevOps share the same goal: delivering working software to customers is the best way to produce software, provide transparency, and support sustainable development. Agile and DevOps also aim for development and operations teams to use current technologies and methods to deliver products to customers as quickly as feasible.
With these observations in mind, it is evident that both Agile and DevOps aspire to deliver end-user value more efficiently, but from distinct perspectives.
Conclusion
Having a fundamental understanding of both Agile and DevOps project models will guide you in determining which is ideal for your development requirements. You may even decide to combine elements of both.
DEHA Vietnam recognizes that the shift to DevOps is challenging in terms of both deployment and operation. Our DevOps services will sustain any service or software product throughout its entire lifecycle, conforming to all internationally acknowledged software development standards.
