Agile vs. DevOps: Comparison of Software Development Methodologies

A software development methodology is crucial for any SDLC process. It helps the project manager and teams to structure, plan, and control the software product lifecycle. As a result, they can provide efficient software development services and meet project requirements.

Agile and DevOps are the most famous software development methodologies across companies. Both of them have their pros and cons. However, their aim is universal- to deliver the product as fast as possible with improved efficiency.

Here are the essentials about Agile and DevOps methodologies. Along with that, we will look at the similarities and differences between both of them.

Agile Vs. DevOps Methodologies

Agile

An agile methodology is an approach that helps to design a disciplined software development process. It minimizes risks by breaking software product development in short time boxes. Development teams integrate all these smaller pieces for the final testing. Each timebox covers areas such as:

1. 1. Strategic Planning
   2. Requirement Analysis
   3. Design
   4. Development

1. Testing

Software development teams use agile methodology for a continuous iteration of development and testing. Aand, Agile gets implemented in various ways, including scrum, crystal methods, FDD, XP, Kanban, and more.

Pros:

• As the software releases in iterations, the team can find and fix the defects efficiently.
• An adaptive approach helps development teams to respond quickly to changing requirements of the customer.
• Direct communication and feedback from clients help to maintain transparency and eliminate guesswork.

Cons:

• As the focus is more on software development than documentation, a risk of lack in documentation efficiency might pose.
• If the client is not clear about the project outcomes, the process may get off track.

DevOps

DevOps methodology is a concept that fosters a collaborative environment between different departments. It helps the development and operations team members to benefit from combined skills and knowledge.

Teams that follow DevOps methodology can release products quickly and efficiently. DevOps lifecycle includes phases, such as:

1. Development
2. Testing
3. Functionality Integration
4. Deployment
5. System Monitoring

DevOps method helps to address the increased demand for faster software delivery. It allows organizations to serve their customers better. Besides, it empowers companies to give fierce competition in the market.

Pros:

• Faster time to market with a low failure rate of new software releases
• Pre-defined roles with precise details for designers, developers, and testers for continuous improvements in product quality
• Process automation helps for smooth, reliable, and quick deployments

Cons:

• A few quality attributes require human involvement. It eventually slows down the software delivery process.
• When extensive testing needed before the product moves to the operations phase, the DevOps methodology cannot help.

Similarities Between Agile and DevOps

DevOps and Agile, both work with the similar goal of faster and competent delivery of software products. Therefore, they have a few similarities.

1. Both work toward productivity enhancement
   Though Agile and DevOps have distinct working approaches, they possess a common goal of improving business productivity.
2. Both adopt a lean philosophy and its applications
   Teams that follow Agile or DevOps methodology can quickly utilize and implement lean philosophies. They can identify and eliminate inefficiencies, such as unnecessary wait time or added costs due to product defects and other excess processes.
3. Successive Collaboration Process
   The members associated with the project can work in great collaboration if they follow any of these software development methodologies. It will be easy for various teams to update the development phases and be on the same page.

Differences in Agile Vs. DevOps

Though both the methodologies have a similar aim, they differ with each other in multiple aspects. Let us have a look at the key differences between Agile and DevOps practices.

1. Approach
   The agile methodology enables teams to work with an incremental development approach. It involves continuous iteration and communication between the client and the development team.
   While the DevOps methodology focuses more on the deployment phase to improve business operations. When following this method, project managers have two options to work toward the delivery process. 1), they can deploy the product updates in real-time as they are available. 2), they can wait until all the updates are visible and then deploy them all together.
2. Documentation & Communication
   The scrum platform is best to implement the agile methodology. Initially, it was announced to build software. However, it helps teams to finish other complex tasks today. An agile approach enables team members to hold regular meetings and improve communication. As a result, project managers or team leaders can manage the work of team members efficiently.
   DevOps approach helps teams to work with comprehensive documentation of the various phases in the software lifecycle. The operations team can get a thorough knowledge of the development process and make deployment arrangements accordingly.
3. Working Process
   A team that follows the agile method works with cross-functionality. Each team member puts effort toward assigned tasks with the idea of the overall progress of the project. As every individual has a clear understanding of his role, a faster, well-organized, and quality development process becomes feasible. On the other hand, if the project teams want to follow the DevOps method, they need active participation from both the development and operations departments. They need to work in close coordination in the process to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Agile vs. DevOps- Which Methodology is Better

Agile and DevOps both help teams to work toward bringing the value to end-user in an efficient way; however, using different approaches. Agile focuses on working with speed or agility of the development cycles. Whereas DevOps is a mere extension of agile. It brings operations and development teams together for continuous integration and delivery.
Both software development methodologies have their strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, you can select the right fit for your organization with a deep understanding of the values and principals upon which they work.

Conclusion

Both Agile and DevOps have a few similarities. However, they are mainly known for their differences. You can use either Agile, DevOps, or even the combination of both depending on your organization’s work culture and requirements. Toward that, you can partner with software development company. In this way, your organization will achieve secure and efficient software production.