Agile vs DevOps Software Development: How the Methodologies Differ from Each Other

Organizations are increasingly integrating Agile and DevOps techniques to promote cross-functional team collaborations and achieve higher efficiency and rapid deployment of software products. Both of these methods are not just simple techniques to create better software, but also better cultures that entail communication, collaboration, and integration.

For example, DevOps uses automated tools and processes for facilitating the rapid delivery of software and environments. Whereas, Agile focuses more on creating better quality software in a timely manner that fits best with the client’s requirements and business goals of the organization.

Agile is a relatively more flexible model of software development as compared to traditional development models like the waterfall methodology, which holds that developers should first define customer need, and then process through development until they release a single, finished software product that meets the stated need.

Both Agile and DevOps have their own set of approaches that they follow to achieve their common goals, which is to make development faster, more iterative, cheaper, and responsive to the digital disruptions happening today, all while ensuring a smooth workflow. But if you’re wondering what the difference between Agile and DevOps is, fret not. We’ve got you covered.

Agile and DevOps Differences

It's important to first note that Agile and DevOps software development methods may be different, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should adopt one above the other. On the contrary, the Agile methodology and the DevOps methodology can actually work in tandem.

Michael Mazyar, CTO at North Carolina-based IT asset-management provider Samanage, elaborates on the “mutual benefits” of both DevOps and Agile:

“When applied in tandem, Agile and DevOps can enable organizations to develop and implement technology with significantly greater speed. [Plus], there’s an emphasis on putting customer needs at the forefront of whatever technology it is you are developing, [along with an] understanding [of] how the software is being used, and [how it should be improved].”

Many of the leading global brands, including Walmart, Facebook, and Sony Pictures are already adopting the new Agile and DevOps software development approaches in an attempt to make their businesses more responsive and competitive, but it is still important to understand the differences between the two software development methodologies. 

By understanding the differences between Agile and DevOps, you’ll be able to make informed decisions when developing your own software for your business.

The Differences Between Agile and DevOps - Infographic

The team at Cypress Data Defense created a neat infographic that compiles a list of the major differences between these two models that can help you get a clear understanding of both.

According to Cypress Data Defense, the differences between DevOps and Agile can fall into a number of distinct categories, including: purpose, processes/practice and key focus areas.

Check out the full infographic below for more details to help you get a better grasp of the differences between Agile and DevOps, and when to use each and both in tandem: