What is the difference between Agile and DevOps
When it comes to software development there are several choices in the market. However, only a handful, like Agile and DevOps continue to dominate the software and web app development industry. Initially, software development management techniques were not specified.
Then “Waterfall” arrived and redefined the software development process according to the time it took to design and develop a web app. In the beginning, software development was a significantly time-consuming process due to the lack of a uniform software development management system. This often resulted in software being deployed with bugs and defects, which then took additional time to correct and made the development process even longer.
Thanks to the advances in management techniques, now we have extremely efficient systems, such as Agile and DevOps. Let’s take a look at the specific features of both these advanced software development management systems, as well as check their difference, their similarities and how they can be combined to achieve the end-product in the fastest and most efficient way possible.
What is Agile?
The agile method of software development management was first introduced in 2001, through the Agile Manifesto. It constitutes 4 values and 12 principals to develop an “agile” or quick software development environment.
The four core agile values are:
- Individual and Interactions have priority over Processes and Tools.
- Working software has priority over comprehensive documentation.
- Customer collaboration has priority over contract negotiation.
- Responding to change has priority over following a plan.
The twelve principles defined in the Agile Manifesto are:
- Customer satisfaction is the top priority
- Always adapt to changing requirements, even at the later stage of software development
- Deliver functional software frequently
- Development and business go hand-in-hand
- Motivated people should lead projects
- Inter-personal communication is the best method of distributing information
- Working software means successful development
- Sustainable development is possible with agile processes
- Keep a constant eye on good design and technical excellence
- Simple is better
- Self-organizing teams create the best architecture, designs and requirements
- Reflect on work regularly and adapt to improve
In simple words, the agile software development management method promotes adopting a leadership skill that boosts team-work, accountability and improves self-organization. In addition, the agile method aims to continuously align development based on customer needs and trends.
What is DevOps?
DevOps is a software development management system that helps IT operatives and software development teams to collaborate efficiently. This concept promotes an environment of collaboration between the two teams, which conventionally work isolated from the other. This collaboration is maintained from the initial stage to the last stage of software development.
Simply put, DevOps is focused on two main practices – lean and agile development. It is actually a commitment by the team or organization to provide continuous development, delivery and integration. The three distinct principles that can define DevOps in short are:
- Principles of flow
- Principles of feedback
- Principles of continuous learning
In its truest form, DevOps is a flexible practice with culture and mindset of sharing for software and IT development.
What are the similarities between Agile and DevOps?
Although some may argue that there is a vast difference between Agile and DevOps, there are three main distinct similarities between the two.
What are the similarities between Agile and DevOps
- Both are software development management methods
- Agile precedes DevOps
- Agile and DevOps promote faster software development
Agile and DevOps are both focused on providing a fast and effective way to design and develop software or web apps without compromising on client and consumer requirements.
What are the differences between Agile and DevOps?
Apart from the similarities, Agile and DevOps each have their own unique features. The differences between the two are mainly noticed in the post-development stage.
Here are the factors that distinguish the functions of Agile and DevOps:
Operations
DevOps and Agile are both useful for managing the development, testing and deployment stage in software creation.
However, DevOps provided an additional function that includes the operations stage too. This method focuses on monitoring and software development simultaneously.
Collaboration
Agile requires separate personnel to handle the designing, testing and deployment stages in software development.
In contrast, DevOps requires the DevOps engineer to supervise development, testing, deployment and operations.
Cost-cutting
Agile is more focused on reducing wastage of resources, using advanced concepts such as minimum viable product (MVP) and agile project accounting.
On the other hand, DevOps is designed to cut unwanted costs incurred during the designing, developing, testing, deploying and operating stages.
Conclusion
Although their common functions may lead people to believe that Agile and DevOps are one and the same, there are several distinct features that are unique to each of the two. Those who prioritize cost-cutting for their software development project may prefer DevOps. On the other hand, those seeking to reduce the wasting of resources during the software development process may choose Agile.