Seven Peaks Insights

How Agile and DevOps Interrelate in Software Development

Is one better than the other? Or are they best when put together?

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Introduction

Agile and DevOps are two of the most popular methodologies in modern software development. But how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we are going to break down how Agile and DevOps interrelate as well as their key differences.

 

What is Agile?

Agile focuses on teamwork, consumer feedback, rapid releases, project management, software development—all working to execute software development projects on-time in an agile way. This is what urged Seven Peaks Software to switch their business model from the old waterfall method to the new agile methodology.

This agile methodology started in the early 2000s, it actually started the software development niche, and has proven to support software development teams in adjusting to altering market conditions and customer demands.

While adopting the agile approach, most of the planning and design for a project is done upfront, but the development-phase advances in small sprints that heavily involves close collaboration with stakeholders.

This provides many benefits because if the software development outcome doesn’t meet the needs or expectations of the customer, it can still be re-created in real-time and on-time.

The agile methodology is the accumulation of scrum and other systems of practice that developers have used in previous years—resulting from professionals coming together, to streamlining these approaches into a single set of principles.

Cooperation and regular meetings, with clear goals and transparency, are the main keys of Agile philosophy.

 

Agile principles to know in 2022

There are a few different agile principles to discover, but these are our most popular principles used when working with our clients:

  • Making sure clients are satisfied
  • Agile focuses on tackling digital product design from the views of the clients, instead of following our own instincts.
  • Simplifying & advising technologies for all stakeholders to understand
  • Bringing business-savvy clients to collaborate with tech-savvy talent to communicate effectively and brainstorm ideas for further development.
  • Building trust and motivation to the team
  • Agile way of working creates a supportive and motivational environment allowing developers to work to their fullest potential.
 

What is DevOps?

DevOps is a software development methodology focused on effectively speeding the deployment process by bringing people and technology together.

Using DevOps method allows the developers and the operations to collaborate side by side throughout the entire process.

DevOps was designed in the late 2000s—after the birth of Agile. With DevOps, organizational silos are broken down which can reduce the tension between two teams—software development and IT operations.

Combining software development and IT operations together allows them to communicate better and work more efficiently.

Teamwork is the core of DevOps method.

 

How Agile and DevOps Interrelate in 2022

Agile and DevOps can be combined since these methodologies can complement each other.

DevOps enables a fully automated constant integration and deployment pipeline that allows frequent releases while Agile provides the ability to quickly adapt to the changing conditions and better collaboration between different small teams.

 

Which One is Right for You?

With how Agile and DevOps interrelate, they can coexist. DevOps is not going to replace Agile, the same way Agile did to the waterfall method, as both are designed to enhance the software development process. For that reason, it is better to smartly combine them together and adjust to the needs of the team.

Our dedicated team adopts both Agile and DevOps methodologies as one approach alone is not enough.

During the development process, Agile methodology works great for dividing the process into small tasks which can quickly adjust to the changing requirements.

On the other hand, DevOps encourages deployment pipeline to make it possible for frequent releases which is more suitable through the release and support process.

  

Knowing CI/CD pipelines

With CI/CD, the teams can come up with accurate, reliable, fast useful feedback for the development cycle.

The CI (Continuous Integration) build codes, run tests and CD (Continuous Delivery) safely launch the latest version of the application.

CI/CD pipeline helps automate the software delivery process by removing manual errors and providing feedback loops for the developers which will speed up the process.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, how Agile and DevOps interrelate are that they share similar objectives. That is, to ensure fast and secure software development cycle.

The difference is that DevOps combines two large siloed teams together which allow the software release process to be faster. On the other hand, Agile focuses on smaller teams collaboration which can quickly support every change that client needs.

Seven Peaks Software adopts both Agile and DevOps methodologies, being skilled in setting consecutive testing methods through integrating testing actions into CI/CD pipelines within the DevOps approach.

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