DevOps Lifecycle
Software development has come a long way. Some of the most exciting new software has been launched in the past years. AI, machine learning and edge computing are the three top trends in software technology currently. According to Forbes, the top trends in software development technology for 2020 are:
- Low-code/No-code Platforms – This technology is focused on creating minimal to no coding software platforms, which are aimed at helping enterprises to transform digitally without having any technical resources.
- Machine Learning Ops – Also called MLOps, this technology involves advanced features, including automated concept-drift detection, real-time feedback on production KPIs, and built-in support for constant updating according to the success of production and integration with AutoML.
- UX Design – User experience design is integral to the success of any software. Every enterprise demands comprehensively engaging software models for its consumers. Hence, user-experience-focused designing software is definitely the need of the hour across the industrial spectrum.
- DevSecOps – DevSecOps is becoming increasingly essential when developers have comprehensive access to the client database and there are higher chances of internal and external threats of destruction of the database. Teams trained in DevSecOps helps amp up the security during software development and operation by monitoring activity and determining access permission strictly.
- Native Mobile Development Languages – Native mobile-development languages, such as Swift and Kotlin, are expected to make a comeback, as these are designed to enhance production speed, and memory security and provide parallelism, such as with Rust. The rising demand for speed, personalization and app quality from users are the major reasons for its return.
What is DevOps?
The complete process of software and web app development is extremely complicated. The software or app needs to be tested at every stage of development before being fine-tuned for production. Most often, the development process is time-consuming, thanks to its specific requirements. DevOps Lifecycle is the solution for software developers to develop and deliver software and web apps swiftly.
DevOps, short for Development-Operations, is the practice of using several task outlines for faster application development. It is essentially a combination of IT operations and software development.
How effective is DevOps?
DevOps forms a flexible relationship between IT operations and software development by enabling better communications within internal business departments. This helps to improve overall software production by using advanced techniques, such as:
- Stable operating environment
- Steady collaboration
- Super swift delivery
- On-going optimization
- Optimizing time spent in the fix/maintain phase
What is DevOps Lifecycle?
DevOps practices are used mainly when developing e-commerce websites, cloud-native apps or similar large-spread platforms. The entire DevOps Lifecycle consists of seven stages:
1 – Continuous Development
The first stage of DevOps involves understanding the goal of the project and planning the software development based on it. The source code is one of the essential elements in this stage and DevOps practices require Source Code Management (SCM), which uses different tools, such as GIT, GitLab, TFS, Mercurial, Subversion, etc for distributed version control.
2 – Continuous Integration
The source code needs to be changed and altered on a regular basis. The next stage, code integration, is the main aspect of the DevOps Lifecycle. In this stage, the new codes that support the add-on functions are created and integrated into the source code. This stage helps to detect bugs and errors, brings additional functionality to the software/app, runs unit tests, prepares code reviews, tests integrity, and compiles and packages the code.
3 – Continuous Testing
This stage is interchangeable and can be before the second stage or after. In this stage, the developer tests the app for bugs using an ideal testing environment created by Docker containers. This automated testing system helps save developer resources, including precious time and resources.
4 – Continuous Feedback
In this stage, the testing and integrated stages are analyzed. Developers can measure the outcome of their code modifications by reviewing user feedback. This stage is often the turning point for most software and apps.
5 – Continuous Monitoring
Monitoring the performance of apps is extremely important for app developers. This stage is designed for developers to record data on app use and monitor its individual functions. This is the best way to ensure the availability of services in the app or software.
6 – Continuous Deployment
In this stage, the finalized software or app code is deployed in the production servers. SCM is an essential tool in this stage as it helps with the precise deployment of app code on servers. This is an excellent way to ensure consistent performance and functionality of the app.
7 – Continuous Operations
The last stage of the DevOps Lifecycle is the smallest and simplest. This stage requires automating the process of releasing the app and its updates later on.
Conclusion
DevOps Lifecycle has become an essential tool for software and app developers to ensure a swift, smooth and streamlined development process and helps save valuable resources for the client and developer alike.
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