DevOps
A methodology combining software development and IT operations to enable faster, more reliable releases.
Definition
DevOps is a set of practices combining software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to shorten development cycles and deliver updates more frequently and reliably. DevOps emphasizes automation, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), infrastructure as code, and cross-functional collaboration.
DevOps culture breaks down silos between teams that traditionally worked separately—developers who build software and operations teams who run it. This collaboration enables faster response to market changes and issues.
Why It Matters
DevOps capabilities determine how quickly organizations can innovate and respond to market changes. Companies with mature DevOps deploy changes frequently with confidence; those without struggle with slow, risky releases.
Understanding DevOps helps leaders set realistic expectations for development velocity and technology investments.
Examples in Practice
A DevOps transformation enables daily deployments that previously happened quarterly, accelerating time to market dramatically.
A company's automated testing and deployment pipeline catches issues before they reach production, reducing outages significantly.
A DevOps culture shift improves collaboration between previously adversarial development and operations teams.