Jobs in IT: DevOps – What is it exactly?
Did you develop a fascination for computers at a young age? But were you put off by the cliché of software developers sitting alone in dark basements, living on nothing but chips, cola, and pizza? Then our blog series on jobs in the IT industry is just right for you. We introduce various professions and the people at VIALUTIONS who are responsible for ensuring that our customers receive the IT consulting or software solutions they need and that fit into their IT landscape.
DevOps- A definition
First of all, DevOps is a combination of two terms: development and operations, and is used to describe a basic approach in the field of software development. The basic principle behind DevOps is to achieve better collaboration between software developers and operational IT teams. The aim is to improve cooperation and reduce silo thinking. This should accelerate development and optimize results.
DevOps is therefore a method for optimizing work throughout the entire software development lifecycle. The DevOps process is like an endless loop: it ranges from software planning to code, build, test, and release phases to software deployment, operation, and monitoring. At the end of the loop, feedback leads back to planning.
DevOps and agile development
DevOps and agile software development usually go hand in hand.
In the past, software was often developed according to the waterfall principle, i.e., chronologically. The planning phase was followed by the implementation phase. However, since obstacles that had not been considered beforehand often arose during implementation, the implementation phase usually took longer than originally calculated. Developers were under time pressure, and it was often only at the end of the project that it became clear whether the software worked as desired.
In contrast to the rather rigid waterfall method, the agile approach is divided into development phases, allowing for a flexible response to unforeseen difficulties. The goal is to have working software from day one, but at the latest by the end of each sprint. This prevents the software development from going in the wrong direction. The customer also sees their product grow with each sprint and is always close to the development process so that they can intervene and make corrections if necessary. This is an important principle: close interaction and communication between the customer and the IT service provider.
DevOps goes one step further than agile working: agility requires a change of mindset in the respective team, whereas DevOps requires a change in the entire corporate culture in order to be successful.
DevOps at Vialutions
DevOps and agile software development usually go hand in hand.
Ela has been working at Vialutions as a software developer for two years and has held various roles within IT, including system administration, software development, and requirements management. She has been fascinated by computers and software since childhood. Nevertheless, she worked as a medical assistant for a long time before taking the plunge and retraining. “I have not regretted this decision and it was definitely the right one. I really enjoy my work. Vialutions has now given me the opportunity to familiarize myself with the field of DevOps. As a trained IT specialist for system integration and application development, entering the world of DevOps is very exciting for me, as it combines the two areas I have studied.”
Her responsibilities include frequent and open communication between teams. This ensures close cooperation with the development teams. She is also responsible for the installation, configuration, and administration of internal and customer servers (Windows and Linux). Other tasks include the adaptation, creation, and expansion of build and release pipelines, version management, and system and error analysis, including testing. In doing so, she always focuses on communication with the respective customer. Finally, Ela is also responsible for creating, reviewing, and revising wikis and written documentation.
The tasks are varied, and that is precisely what makes working in DevOps so appealing to Ela. “It never gets boring. I particularly enjoy working in a team and that I can constantly learn and apply new skills, methods, and tools.”
Conclusion: DevOps is a must!
DevOps is no longer just a buzzword or a passing trend, but has become a must. Demands on companies are increasing, and the IT landscape is changing ever more rapidly. A high level of responsiveness is required to remain competitive.
The DevOps methodology offers the opportunity to adapt quickly and deliver software in less time and with better quality. Modern companies such as Google and others have led the way, and now DevOps is also becoming increasingly popular with traditional companies.