DevOps, Agile, and Scrum summarized.
DevOps, Agile, and Scrum are some of the most used Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies used in enterprises. Before we dive into each of those methodologies let's understand SDLC first.
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
The software development lifecycle is a set of stages that developers follow to successfully accomplish a project. These stages are requirements, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each of these stages is necessary for a successful launch of a product. While SDLC and its stages are the frameworks for tackling a project, a methodology is how these stages can be strategically managed as to optimize its outcome. There are many methodologies, but one of the most common, and thought to be obsolete, is the waterfall method. This methodology was not very efficient for many reasons such as poor communication between teams and slow production due to its sequential nature. While the waterfall method was mostly focused on the bigger picture of getting a complete product out the door, other methodologies such as Agile instead shifted focus to making small iterations over a shorter period instead.
Agile
The Agile methodology is.. well... Agile! The focus here is that each project is custom-made based on what’s on the plate at the time. For this to be accomplished Agile methodology works on iterations that will be updated every few weeks instead of just handing a complete product after a long time. Because what's on the plate at the time, and specifications can change at any moment this adaptive approach is flexible due to its iterative element. This can also mean that the product can be delivered sooner and presented to the client. Some tools one would use when running a project under Agile are Atlassian JIRA, Asana, and Wrike. As this methodology doesn’t exactly have strict guidelines on how to follow its manifesto, so there are many different ways to go about it. One such way is Scrum.
Scrum
Where Agile is more of a philosophy in action, Scrum is a guide for an organization's framework. This guide works under the Agile philosophy and is defined completely by Jeff Sutherland and Ken Schwaber. The guide consists of roles, events, artifacts, and rules that allow teams to self-organize for efficient project completion while saving money. This methodology is agile, as it follows the Agile philosophy, and of course has many of the same pros, such as flexibility in approach and iterative delivery of projects. Scrum has three important roles in Product Owner, Scrum Master, and development team members. Some common scrum tools used are Jira, Trello, and Scrumwise. These are important for project management to track progress and encourage collaboration throughout the process. Now DevOps takes it a step further by integrating aspects of both Agile and Scrum into its methodology
DevOps
DevOps is is a software methodology that targets siloed teams especially to get as seamless collaboration as possible. One of the biggest struggles of software development is teamwork between different teams working at different stages. DevOps uses Agile Scrum methods to help remedy this such as daily stand-ups, scrum meetings, and kanban boards but also does so much more. When using DevOps culture, practices, and tools correctly projects can be done at lightning speeds and in one of the most outlandish examples Amazon literally deploys new software at an average of less than 12 seconds! DevOps has a cross-functional team of development, testing, and operations that go through the DevOps stages (Plan, Code, Build, Test, Release, Deploy, Operate, Monitor) through continuous integration and continuous delivery throughout each stage. Enterprises will win out benefits such as faster and better project delivery, less resource idle time, larger scalability, and quicker problem-solving. Some tools needed for DevOps are the same as Agile Scrum but also include GitHub, Notion, Gradle, Docker, and AWS Cloud Formation. This toolchain is important in each stage as they provide automation, simplicity, and collaboration to the entire team.
Conclusion
We’ve gone a long way from just using the old fashion, sequential SDLC waterfall style. Technology moves fast, so we as developers have to keep up with the ever-increasing demands. Transitioning your team to using DevOps in your next project might just be the change your company needs to help reach your goals!
