The goal of software development management is to deploy projects effectively. Both Agile and DevOps are modern project management frameworks outlining practices for developing software. They include the tools, cultural philosophies, and practices that improve an organization’s ability to deliver software efficiently. In this article, we will be comparing these two management methodologies and highlighting their varied purposes and benefits.
DevOps is a combination of software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). It is a project management method that eliminates siloed teams in software development by merging development and operations teams. In DevOps, the approach is shared ownership of the software and it involves bringing people together across teams. With this approach, engineers develop a range of skills not limited to development and are involved in the full development lifecycle including building, testing, delivery, planning, and monitoring. With the benefit of technology now, teams have automated workflow and have the ability to accomplish tasks that would normally require help from other teams, independently. In DevOps, there’s a rapid feedback loop among teams. Security becomes everyone’s priority as development, operations, and quality assurance teams are all integrated which creates workflow automation and efficiency in task delivery. This approach helps companies churn out quality products at a higher rate than those using traditional software development infrastructure.
Benefits:
- Faster product innovation
- Better product performance
- Automated workflow
- More tested and reliable products
- Builds a collaborative work environment
- Helps you manage your product delivery system at scale with automation
What is Agile development?
Agile is a development method that aims to shorten the link between developers and the end-users. Agile development is defined by adaptability and flexibility. The focus in Agile is building and evolving a product that caters to and adapts quickly to customer needs and desires. In Agile the approach is to fail fast and product delivery is prioritized.
In simple terms, when using the Agile method putting a product out is the priority, and teams are structured in a self-organizing but collaborative system. In the Agile method, the development process continues to adapt to the changing customer needs and current trends.
Benefits
- Agile methodology focuses on customer needs so it helps teams build software applications driven by consistent customer feedback and needs.
- Improved error detection and shorter development cycle
- Automates team communication
Key Differences
Both Agile and DevOps serve the same purpose of delivering the best product efficiently but both methods have their fundamental differences in their philosophies, priorities, and approach. Some of these differences are:
- DevOps is a method of bringing together development and operations teams for faster product delivery. While Agile is a collaboration among self-organizing teams that focuses on customer feedback for effective delivery.
- DevOps approach focuses on constant testing and delivery. While Agile focuses on change, taking an evolving and iterative approach to product development.
- Feedback comes from the internal team in DevOps, while customer feedback is prioritized in the Agile method.
- DevOps involves multiple teams with sometimes separate skill sets and teams are large. Agile teams are lean, with team members having the same skills. The fewer the better in Agile.
- DevOps offers end-to-end business solutions while Agile focuses on software development.
- Agile’s only focus is on software development and releases while DevOps covers end-to-end business solutions
- DevOps streamlines the processes between development + testing, and operations. Agile bridges the gap between development + testing and customer needs and is used for complex projects.
- DevOps code delivery happens in multiple hyper releases sometimes happening in days or hours. Agile operates in sprints which can take months at a time.
Ultimately, Agile software development is not incompatible with DevOps and both can be combined to maximize their benefits and create an efficient quality delivery team. DevOps eliminates siloes in the development process and employs an automated deployment process of continuous improvement and integration for quicker software releases. The agile methodology on the other hand enables better collaboration between smaller teams, prioritizing rapid adaptability to ever-changing requirements and consumer needs.
