DevOps vs Agile: What are the Differences and Similarities?

The early 2000s saw the widespread adoption of the Agile methodology, which changed how we create software and other services. But after a few years of being the standard, a significant gap emerged: the operations team's methods and needs, which delivered and managed software products, were not included in the revolution. This led to the rise of DevOps which integrated the development and operations teams resulting in a much smoother delivery process. However, this also initiated a debate amongst the software community: DevOps vs Agile, which was the superior method? 

DevOps and Agile are two distinct but complementary methodologies that focus on the software development and delivery processes respectively. So, which to pick in the battle between DevOps vs Agile? Or do they work best together? This blog aims to make you understand the basic differences and similarities of DevOps vs Agile alongside their key features respectively and correlation. Keep Reading!

Table of Contents

1) What is Agile?  

2) What is DevOps?  

3) DevOps vs Agile 

   a) DevOps vs Agile: How are DevOps and Agile Different? 

   b) DevOps vs Agile: How are Agile and DevOps Similar?  

4) How do Agile and DevOps interrelate?  

5) Conclusion 

What is Agile?  

Agile is an iterative software development and project management approach that emphasises teamwork, client feedback, and quick releases. It emerged from the software development sector in the early 2000s, assisting teams in responding to evolving market conditions and client demands.  

An Agile approach incorporates some upfront strategy and design, but the development is done in short cycles and with solid stakeholder collaboration. Continual changes are made, and useable versions of products are frequently published more rapidly than those created using the waterfall process. Numerous advantages result from this. The most significant is probably the ability to immediately fix software that doesn't match the demands or expectations of the user.  

The four core values of Agile software development are highlighted below: 

1) Working software is preferred over thorough documentation 

2) Responded by switching over in accordance with a plan 

3) Collaboration with the customer during contract negotiations 

4) Discussion of the method and tools amongst individuals and teams 

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What is DevOps?

DevOps is a software development method that allows teams to create, test, and deploy software more quickly and consistently by implementing Agile concepts and practices, such as enhanced automation and more communication between development and operations teams, it can also be termed as DevOps services.

DevOps aims to bridge the gap between operations, who manage the software in production, and developers, who create application software, to build and operate the supporting infrastructure. The obsolete method of building applications by development teams and handing them off to an operations team to deploy and maintain the software with little understanding of how it was created has been replaced by DevOps.  

Since 2009, a lot has changed in the software development business, yet the pillars of What is DevOps remain, and those include the following: 

1) Cooperation and trust between the Dev and Ops teams  

2) Significant reliance on comprehensive software testing procedures  

3) Contemporary tool integration to streamline development and operation activities
 

DevOps vs Agile  

The core idea of Agile is to add agility to development. But delivering agility to both development and operations is the core idea behind DevOps. The most crucial aspect to keep in mind is that DevOps does not replace Agile. But it indeed is an advancement and a natural replacement for the Waterfall methodology and other Scrum principles. The obstacles associated with Agile have developed over time, much like how practices improve with time, and DevOps has emerged as the more effective method.

a) DevOps vs Agile: How are Agile and DevOps Different?
 

b) DevOps vs Agile: How are Agile and DevOps Similar?

The fundamental distinctions between the Agile and DevOps methodologies have been covered in detail. Let's concentrate on their similarities and determine their relationship to one another:

1) Both Increase Business Productivity: Although Agile and DevOps may take distinct approaches, they are both working toward the same objective, which is to increase corporate efficiency. 

Both methods for developing software are incredibly reliable. DevOps accelerates Agile's work, and Agile pushes DevOps to be more intensive. 

2) Using Lean philosophies: The Lean idea has been extensively accepted and applied in both Agile and DevOps. This is noticeable, particularly in the communication.

3) The Collaboration Process: Another area where Agile and DevOps share objectives is with subsequent collaboration. The team needs to work together, regardless of the method they use. Every team must further communicate updates on the development process. 

How do Agile and DevOps Interrelate? 

The integration of Agile and DevOps has several benefits. Some of them are accelerated delivery, improved user satisfaction, and efficient teamwork. 

Adapting current tactics and mentalities is necessary to successfully integrate DevOps principles with Agile culture. 

Moreover, practitioners of these methodologies have similar mindsets. Furthermore, they have the same objectives. 

Agile and DevOps both concur that delivering functional software to customers is the best approach to create software, assure transparency, and encourage sustainable development. 

To get software into the hands of customers as quickly as possible, both methodologies encourage development and operations teams to employ modern tools and procedures. 

Conclusion 

So, to sum up, we can say that DevOps and Agile are not exclusive. Any organisation that is transitioning to DevOps shouldn't eliminate its current Agile workflows. DevOps is an Agile extension based around techniques that are not the main emphasis of Agile. Despite there being a DevOps vs Agile segregation, it is when working together that the two techniques enhance software development and produce higher-quality results. 

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