Day-1 - Azure DevOps Tour

Posted Nov 16, 2024

By Nensi Ravaliya

5 min read

Day 1: Delivering “Introduction to Azure Cloud

1. What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing as “a way to deliver computing services like servers, storage, databases, networking, and software over the internet (‘the cloud’).”
Highlight benefits:
- Cost-effectiveness (pay-as-you-go model).
- Scalability (easily increase/decrease resources).
- Accessibility (available from anywhere).

2. Types of Cloud Models: Public, Private, Hybrid

Use relatable analogies:
- Public Cloud: “Like a shared gym where you pay to use common equipment.” Example: Microsoft Azure, AWS.
- Private Cloud: “Like having a personal gym at home—dedicated to you.” Example: Private data centers.
- Hybrid Cloud: “A mix—like using a home gym sometimes and a shared gym other times.” Example: Combining on-premise and cloud storage.

3. Azure Overview: Why Azure?

Highlight Azure’s advantages:
- Second-largest cloud provider after AWS, with a strong global network.
- Supports hybrid cloud models better than many competitors.
- Wide range of services (from AI/ML to basic compute).

4. Core Azure Services

Break it down with relatable use cases:

Compute:
- Virtual Machines (VMs): “Imagine renting a computer in the cloud to run apps or websites.”
- App Services: “Host your website or API without worrying about managing servers.”
Storage:
- Blob Storage: “Like Google Drive, but for applications to store files securely.”
- Disk Storage: “Attach additional storage to your VMs, just like a USB drive for your computer.”
Networking:
- Virtual Network: “A private network to connect your Azure resources securely.”
- Load Balancer: “Distribute traffic to ensure your application doesn’t crash under heavy usage.”

5. Hands-on Demo: Create an Azure Free Account & Portal Walkthrough

Guide step-by-step:
- Go to Azure Free Account Page.
- Show how to sign up and highlight the free credits.
- Log in to the Azure Portal and give a quick overview:
  - Show key features (Dashboard, Services Menu).
  - Create a simple resource, like a storage account.

2. Importance of DevOps (30 mins)

1. What is DevOps? Why is it Important?

Define DevOps:
- “DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to shorten the development lifecycle while delivering high-quality software continuously.”
Explain the goal: “DevOps helps teams work together better to deliver software faster and with fewer errors.”
Highlight Benefits:
- Faster delivery of updates.
- Improved collaboration between teams.
- Higher reliability and fewer bugs.

2. Key DevOps Principles

a) Collaboration and Communication

DevOps breaks silos between development and operations teams.
Teams share responsibility for the application’s success.
Example: “Developers and operations teams work together to solve issues, instead of blaming each other”

b) Automation

Automating repetitive tasks like testing, deployment, and monitoring saves time and reduces errors.
Example: “Instead of manually testing every change, automated scripts do it for you.”

c) Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

Continuous Integration (CI):
- “Developers frequently merge their code changes into a shared repository to avoid integration issues later.”
Continuous Deployment (CD):
- “Automatically deploying the integrated code to production after passing all tests.”
Benefits: Faster releases, quick bug fixes, and happier customers.

3. DevOps Lifecycle Overview

How to Explain Each Phase:

1️⃣ Plan: “Teams use tools like Azure Boards to plan work and prioritize tasks.”
2️⃣ Develop: “Developers write code in Git repositories.”
3️⃣ Build: “Code is compiled and packaged into a deliverable format.”
4️⃣ Test: “Automated tests ensure the software works as expected.”
5️⃣ Release: “Approved updates are prepared for deployment.”
6️⃣ Deploy: “Code is deployed to production environments.”
7️⃣ Operate: “Monitoring ensures the app runs smoothly in production.”
8️⃣ Monitor: “Logs and metrics help identify and fix any issues.”

3. Introduction to Azure DevOps (1 Hour)

1. What is Azure DevOps?

Define Azure DevOps:
- “Azure DevOps is a cloud-based service by Microsoft that provides tools to plan work, collaborate on code, and build, test, and deploy applications.”
Highlight why it’s popular:
- Integrated tools for end-to-end software development lifecycle.
- Supports any programming language or platform.
- Easy integration with other tools like GitHub.

2. Key Services in Azure DevOps

a) Boards (Work Planning and Tracking)

Azure Boards help teams plan, track, and discuss work.
Components:
- Work items (e.g., tasks, bugs, features).
- Kanban boards to visualize progress.
- Backlogs for prioritizing tasks.
Example: “Imagine using sticky notes on a whiteboard to track tasks. Azure Boards does this digitally.”

b) Repos (Version Control with Git)

Azure Repos provides Git repositories for source code management.
Benefits:
- Tracks changes to code.
- Enables collaboration through pull requests and code reviews.
Example: “It’s like Google Docs for code—multiple developers can work on the same project while tracking every change.”

c) Pipelines (Build and Release Automation)

Azure Pipelines automate the process of building, testing, and deploying code.
CI/CD pipelines ensure frequent and reliable releases.
Example: “Think of it as a factory assembly line for software—code goes in, and a working application comes out.”

d) Artifacts (Package Management)

Azure Artifacts store and manage packages (e.g., NuGet, npm) used in projects.
Benefits:
- Centralized package storage.
- Easy sharing across teams.
Example: “Imagine a shared library of books where everyone can borrow or contribute books. Azure Artifacts does this for code packages.”

3. Demo: Hands-On Activity

a) Create an Azure DevOps Organization

Steps:

Go to Azure DevOps.
Sign in with a Microsoft account.
Click “Create a New Organization”.
Name your organization and choose a region.
Show how to navigate through the organization dashboard.

b) Set Up a Simple Project in Azure Boards