What is Azure DevOps and why is it important?
Azure DevOps is a comprehensive suite of tools and services designed to manage the entire lifecycle of a software project, aligning with the DevOps culture. Microsoft has bet big on this suite, offering an impressive amount of functionality that has evolved significantly over time. Unlike other platforms such as GitHub or GitLab, which cover only parts of the development cycle, Azure DevOps provides a complete solution, allowing you to plan, design, run, compile, publish and maintain your applications without the need for additional tools.
How does Azure DevOps differ from GitHub?
Although GitHub is also owned by Microsoft, it is not directly linked to Azure DevOps, but they work as separate products. GitHub is more geared towards open source projects, startups and small businesses, while Azure DevOps is shaping up to be a robust enterprise solution for large companies.
- Azure DevOps is a complete suite for the software development cycle.
- GitHub focuses on open source projects and small teams.
What are the features of Azure DevOps?
Originally known as Visual Studio Online, Azure DevOps includes a number of key tools that help complete all the necessary steps in the software lifecycle. Some of the most prominent features of Azure DevOps are:
- Full integration with popular cloud providers such as AWS, Azure and GCP, enabling a seamless connection from development to production deployment.
- Azure DevOps Server, a version that allows installation on the company's own infrastructure for complete control and additional security.
- Affordable access and costs, with a basic plan that allows up to five users for free.
How to manage projects with Azure DevOps?
The Azure DevOps suite allows organizations to efficiently manage the entire development cycle with the use of several tools, such as:
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Pipelines: they facilitate continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) through agents that automatically execute and compile code. They offer 1,800 minutes per month free of charge for automation, which can be increased for a fee.
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Artifacts: Allow storage of private libraries with history and versioning, ideal for components that should not be public. Free initial storage is included before additional charges are applied.
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Boards, Repos, and more: These tools include work organization features, code repositories, and artifact management that make the need for external tools more difficult.
What is the cost of using Azure DevOps?
- The basic plan is free for the first five users, offering access to essential tools.
- The Test Plans add-on module is offered at $52 per user/month, including advanced testing and analysis services.
- Costs for additional services, such as supplemental storage in Artifacts or additional minutes in Pipelines, apply after the free fee is exhausted.
Practical tips when using Azure DevOps
- Review costs regularly: Check offers and price changes to adjust budgets.
- Optimize usage: Take advantage of free services and carefully evaluate which additional features are really necessary.
- Configure Azure DevOps Server if security is vital: Enabling internal management with a more secure and customized approach.
With an introductory approach, exploring Azure DevOps will open the door to a more robust and agile management of development in teams of any size. Do not hesitate to delve deeper into this powerful tool and maximize your efficiency in future software projects!
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