DevOps vs Agile: The Key Difference and Similarity

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DevOps and Agile are two closely related software methodologies. Used together, it helps To improve software development and IT operations’ efficiency, collaboration, and overall effectiveness. While many organizations wish to employ these practices, there is often some confusion about these two methodologies.

Is it DevOps vs Agile? Should we choose one? Or can they work together?

Let’s first understand DevOps and Agile.

What is DevOps?

DevOps is a combination of two words development (dev) and operations (ops). It is a methodology, used as a set of practices and tools in the Software Industry.

It connects development and operations to increase efficiency.

Subsequently, delivers high-quality software faster than any traditional process

DevOps can start a cultural change in an organization. It is transforming the way the development, operations, and testing team collaborates.

Here are the Four Core DevOps Principles:

• Collaboration: DevOps facilitates effective communication and collaboration between the development and operations teams.
• Automation: Reducing manual tasks in the development/delivery process to improve efficiency and reduce human error.
• Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD): In CI code changes are integrated into a central repository frequently. CD automates the release of validated code to a repository.
• Continuous improvement and minimization of waste: By automating tasks like testing or reducing the releasing time of new code DevOps focuses on continuous improvement and minimizing waste.
• Customer-centric action: With the use of real-time monitoring it gets instant visibility of user interaction with the system and uses this information for improvement.
• Create with the end in mind: From creation to implementation DevOps team understands the needs of the customer to create the product that will solve the genuine problem

What is Agile:

The word Agile means “able to move quickly and easily”.

The problem with traditional software methodologies like a waterfall is, that it requires the development team to complete each project phase before moving on to the next phase. Therefore, the time of delivery is longer.

Whereas in Agile methodology the development team works simultaneously on each phase.

 It breaks down the large projects into smaller boxes called sprints. Every sprint has four phases:

1) Planning

2) Execution

3) Review

4) Retrospective

A time period is set for every sprint during which specific work has to be completed and reviewed. The duration of each sprint is decided by a Scrum Master.

A Scrum Master is a professional who facilitates collaboration and communication between different teams.

Agile methodologies emphasize:

• Iterative development: Breaking down large projects into smaller pieces called sprints.
• Continuous feedback: Embodying feedback throughout the development process from users and stakeholders.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Encouraging cooperation and communication between different teams like developers, and testers.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Accept the change and adjust plans as needed.

What are the Various Types of Agile Frameworks?

There are many frameworks documented in the Agile Manifesto.

However, we will explain a few popular frameworks here,

Kanban

Kanban is a simple, and visual means of methodology for managing projects that helps the team to see the current status and upcoming tasks.

The advantage of this methodology is to enhance transparency. Therefore, it helps leaders to see what jobs are assigned to each team member. And finally the incomplete tasks.

Scrum

Scrum is one of the most popular Agile methodologies and is similar to Kanban in many ways.

Extreme Programming (XP)

Extreme Programming (XP) concentrates on continuously developing and delivering customers, using intervals or sprints, similar to a Scrum methodology.

Feature-driven development (FDD)

In feature-driven development, software models are created every two weeks and every model feature requires a development and design plan to be created. FDD categorizes projects into five basic activities:

• Evolve a generic model
• Build a feature list
• Plan by feature
• Design by feature
• Build by feature

Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)

The Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) was created for the need of a common industry framework for rapid software delivery. Any developmental changes that are expected to be reworked must be reversible. DSDM too uses sprints like other frameworks, Scrum, XP, and FDD.

This framework is based on eight fundamental principles as mentioned below:

• Focus on the business need
• Deliver on time
• Collaborate
• Never compromise quality
• Build incrementally from firm foundations
• Develop iteratively
• Communicate continuously and clearly
• Demonstrate control

Crystal

Crystal is a group of Agile methodologies that include Crystal Clear, Crystal Yellow, Crystal Orange, Crystal Red, and others. Each framework is distinct. The choice depends on several factors, such as team size, priorities, and the criticality of the project.

Lean

Lean development is often associated with Agile. Although it’s a distinct methodology that shares many of the same values.

The key principles of the Lean methodologies are:

• Elimination of waste
• Building quality  
• Creating knowledge
• Defer commitment
• Deliver fast
• Respect people
• Optimize the whole

Adaptive Project Framework

The Adaptive Project Framework (APF) is an Agile approach that helps teams stay flexible and adapt to changing circumstances and project scope.

Teams can regularly review and evaluate what’s needed to complete each small project by breaking each project down into iterative cycles or phases. Regular assessment allows teams to react quickly to changes and ensure they stay on track with timelines.

 DevOps Vs Agile: Difference between DevOps and Agile

Similarity: Below listed are some key similarities between DevOps and Agile

1.     Focus on testing and automation

DevOps and Agile focus on achieving stability. For this, they actively operate in a secure, rapid, and quality-assessed environment. Both of these methodologies achieve this through the integration of testing on a routine basis. They are identical in relying on automation to bring more flexibility to the implementation process. 

2. Inclination toward business productivity

Both of these methodologies work in conjunction with maximizing productivity. DevOps focuses on ensuring software moves smoothly from development to production. Agile emphasizes iterative feedback and incremental value delivery.  

3. Pave the way for powerful partnerships 

DevOps and Agile both promote collaboration in the workplace. Team members are connected to share information, detect issues quickly, and troubleshoot problems easily/effortlessly.

 4. Model after lean philosophy

DevOps and Agile both have derived from Lean philosophy. Therefore helps organizations to standardize their communication process. As well as encouraging effortless interactions among team members. This creates a constructive and healthy work environment.

 Conclusion:

DevOps and Agile both have become critical for any software industry.

If any organization is thinking about DevOps vs Agile, these practices work together.

This helps, to balance the IT infrastructure and augment the business’s readiness.

If any organization wants to be successful and stay competitive in today’s market, these practices are a must to follow.

Henry Harvin’s DevOps Course 

DevOps Training Course will make you proficient in learning all aspects of the DevOps Engineer job. Candidates can intensify their knowledge in DevOps skills like Continuous Integration, Delivery and Deployment, operations, automated build testing, and use of DevOps tools like Git, SVN, Docker, Docker Swarm, and many more. This will help you to clear any confusion about DevOps vs Agile.

Recommended Read:

• How Much Agile Certification Cost
• Top Agile Project Management Tools to Master
• Top Benefits of Agile For Managers
• Top Agile Project Manager Interview Questions
• Top Agile Project Manager Interview Questions
• Top DevOps Interview Questions and Answers

FAQs:

1. How to implement DevOps and Agile in an organization?

Ans. The implementation approach will differ from organization to organization. However, they can start with Agile methodology (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) and after that, gradually, start with DevOps practices (e.g., automation, CI/CD).

2. What are the common challenges that come with the implementation?

Ans. Lack of proper guidance and training, people’s resistance to automation, change management, and siloed teams are all major challenges.

3. What are the key advantages of DevOps and Agile?

• Shorter time-to-market
• Superior software quality
• Minimize the cost
• Boost customer satisfaction
• Accelerate the team’s confidence and productivity
• Improved ability to adapt to change

Q.4 How to measure the success of Agile and DevOps implementation?

Ans. By monitoring vital metrics like lead time, deployment frequency, defect rate, customer satisfaction, and team productivity.

Q.5 What is the difference between a Scrum Master and a Project Manager?

Ans. Scrum Master only takes care of Scrum projects and teams. Project managers usually work on any project, like Agile or Waterfall. Their primary responsibility is to manage the logistics involved in completing a project.

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