How To Build a CI/CD Pipeline In Azure DevOps?

What Is A Ci/Cd Pipeline?

A CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipeline is an automated workflow in software development that encompasses the entire lifecycle from code integration to deployment. It involves automatically integrating code changes into a shared repository (CI), followed by automated testing to ensure quality and reliability. Successful changes are then automatically deployed to various environments (CD), streamlining the process, reducing manual errors, and enabling faster, more consistent software releases. CICD pipeline azure enhance collaboration, code quality, and development speed by automating repetitive tasks, facilitating swift feedback, and maintaining a reliable deployment process.

An Azure CI CD pipeline in Azure DevOps is a streamlined approach to software development that automates the process of integrating code changes, testing them, and then deploying the validated changes to production. This pipeline optimizes development workflows, enhancing collaboration and reducing the risk of errors.

Stages Of A Ci/Cd Pipeline

Source Stage The Source Stage in CI/CD pipeline is the foundational step where the software development cycle commences. It involves fetching the latest code and associated files from a version control system, commonly Git. This stage serves as the trigger point for the entire pipeline, initiating subsequent automated processes like code compilation, testing, and deployment. By monitoring the repository for changes, the source stage ensures that any modifications or additions to the codebase are detected and integrated seamlessly into the pipeline's workflow.

Build Stage The Build Stage is a pivotal phase within a CI/CD pipeline where the source code, fetched from the version control system, is transformed into executable software artifacts. Automated build processes help identify compilation errors, coding issues, and integration conflicts early in the development cycle, thereby enhancing code quality and minimizing defects. Successful execution of the build stage provides a foundation for rigorous testing and validation, contributing to a more robust and reliable software product. Some Branching Strategies are as follows:

• Gitflow: Uses long lived branches (develop, feature, release, hotfix) for controlled development but can lead to delays. Aligns with CI/CD through integration with automated testing and deployment pipelines for each branch.
• Trunk Based: Emphasizes short-lived branches, promotes frequent integrations, reducing conflicts. Aligns closely with CI/CD by integrating automated testing and deployment directly into the main/trunk branch, ensuring rapid feedback and delivery.

Test Stage The Test Stage within a CI/CD pipeline is a critical phase where the software undergoes a series of automated tests to assess its functionality, performance, and reliability. This stage aims to identify defects, vulnerabilities, and regressions in the codebase before it advances to deployment. Various types of tests, including unit, integration, and regression tests, are executed to ensure that the application meets quality standards and adheres to the expected behavior. Automated testing not only accelerates the validation process but also provides consistent and repeatable results, reducing the chances of human error.

Some types of Automated tests are as follows:

• Unit Tests: Verify individual code units for correctness.
• Integration Tests: Assess interactions between integrated components.
• Regression Tests: Detect unintended changes to existing functionalities.
• Functional Tests: Validate system functions align with requirements.
• Performance Tests: Evaluate speed, stability, and resource usage.

Deploy Stage The deploy stage in a CI/CD pipeline marks the point where the thoroughly tested and validated software is automatically released to various environments, such as staging or production. This phase streamlines the deployment process, eliminating manual interventions and reducing the risk of errors that can occur during manual deployments. The deploy stage involves deploying the compiled and tested code to the target environment, configuring any necessary settings, and ensuring that the application is up and running as expected.

What Is Azure Devops?

Azure DevOps is a comprehensive set of development tools, services, and functionalities provided by Microsoft to facilitate the entire software development lifecycle. It encompasses version control, build automation, testing, release management, and more. Azure DevOps enables teams to collaboratively plan, develop, test, and deploy applications efficiently. It integrates seamlessly with Azure cloud services and other popular development tools, offering a unified platform for continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous monitoring.

Azure Repos

Azure Repos is a component of Microsoft's Azure DevOps suite, offering a robust and scalable version control system for managing source code repositories. It provides a centralized platform for teams to collaborate, track changes, and manage their codebase throughout the software development lifecycle.

Here are some key points about Azure Repos:

• Centralized Code Repository: Azure Repos serves as a centralized repository where teams can store and manage their source code. It provides a structured environment to organize and track code changes.
• Git and TFVC Support: Azure Repos supports both Git and Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC), allowing teams to choose a version control approach that aligns with their project's needs and workflows.
• Distributed Development with Git: For Git repositories, developers can work collaboratively in a distributed manner. They can create branches for features, bug fixes, and experiments without disrupting the main codebase.
• Code History and Versioning: Azure Repos captures the history of code changes, enabling teams to track modifications over time, understand who made changes, and revert to previous versions if needed.
• Branching and Merging: With branching and merging capabilities, developers can work on isolated features or bug fixes in separate branches and later merge these changes back into the main codebase.
• Code Reviews and Pull Requests: Azure Repos facilitates code reviews by allowing developers to create pull requests. Team members can review code changes, provide feedback, and ensure code quality before merging.
• Integration with Azure DevOps: Azure Repos seamlessly integrates with other Azure DevOps services, such as Azure Pipelines for automated builds and deployments, enhancing the end-to-end development lifecycle.
• Collaboration and Insights: Developers can collaborate effectively through features like inline commenting and discussions within code. Insights into commit history and code changes help track progress and maintain transparency.
• Security and Access Control: Azure Repos offers robust security measures, including access control, permission management, and the ability to define who can view or modify code.

Azure Pipelines

Azure Pipelines is a powerful continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) platform offered within Microsoft's Azure DevOps suite. It automates the process of building, testing, and deploying applications across different environments. Key features include:

• Automated Workflows: Azure Pipelines allows you to define pipelines that automatically build and test code changes as they are committed, promoting early bug detection and code quality.
• Flexibility: It supports a variety of languages, platforms, and frameworks, making it adaptable to diverse projects.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Azure Repos, GitHub, and other version control systems, facilitating smooth code integration into the pipeline.
• Build and Test: Enables automated compilation, testing, and validation of code changes, ensuring that software functions correctly and reliably.
• Deployment: Automates the deployment of validated code changes to different environments, promoting consistent and error-free releases.
• Release Management: Offers release pipelines for orchestrating complex deployment scenarios, from development to production.
• Extensibility: Provides a marketplace of extensions and integrations, allowing customization to fit specific development needs.
• YAML-based Configuration: Pipeline definitions can be expressed as code using YAML, promoting versioning, collaboration, and transparency.

Azure Boards

Azure Boards is a versatile work tracking system within Microsoft's Azure DevOps suite, designed to facilitate efficient project planning, tracking, and collaboration. It aids software development teams in organizing tasks, tracking work items, and managing projects across the entire development lifecycle. Key aspects of Azure Boards include:

• Work Item Management: Azure Boards allows you to create, manage, and track various work items, such as user stories, tasks, bugs, and features. This promotes transparency and accountability throughout the development process.
• Agile Methodologies: It supports Agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban, enabling teams to plan and execute work in iterations and visualize workflow on a digital board.
• Customization: Teams can tailor work item types, fields, and workflows to match their specific processes and requirements.
• Backlogs and Sprints: Azure Boards offers backlogs for prioritizing work and sprints for planning and executing iterations, fostering incremental development.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Azure Pipelines, Azure Repos, and other Azure DevOps services, ensuring a unified development environment.
• Reporting and Insights: Provides built-in reporting and dashboards to monitor progress, track performance metrics, and identify bottlenecks.
• Collaboration: Enables cross-functional teams to collaborate by assigning work, discussing details, and sharing information directly within the platform.

Azure Test Plans

Azure Test Plans is a comprehensive testing solution integrated within Microsoft's Azure DevOps suite, designed to facilitate efficient and effective software testing across the development lifecycle. It offers a range of tools and features to help teams plan, manage, and execute testing activities systematically. Key highlights of Azure Test Plans include:

• Test Case Management: Teams can create and organize test cases, define test steps, and associate them with work items, ensuring thorough test coverage.
• Test Execution: It enables teams to execute manual and automated tests, record test results, and capture defects in a structured manner.
• Test Configurations: Different test environments and configurations can be defined to ensure that the application is tested across various scenarios.
• Test Data Management: Allows teams to manage test data and parameters, ensuring consistent and repeatable testing.
• Test Dashboards and Reports: Provides insights into testing progress, results, and trends through customizable dashboards and reports.
• Exploratory Testing: Supports ad-hoc and exploratory testing by providing a flexible environment for testers to explore the application.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Azure DevOps services, such as Azure Boards and Azure Pipelines, for a unified development and testing experience.
• Continuous Testing: Enables the integration of automated tests into continuous integration pipelines, ensuring that tests are executed with each code change.

Azure Artifacts

Azure Artifacts forms an integral part of the expansive Azure DevOps ecosystem by serving as a secure and centralized repository designed to manage a diverse array of software artifacts, encompassing packages, dependencies, and libraries. This platform streamlines the intricacies associated with storing, sharing, and versioning these artifacts, thereby cultivating an environment conducive to streamlined and effective development processes. Azure Artifacts encompasses several vital elements:

• Artifact Management: This tool comprehensively supports a variety of package types, including the likes of NuGet, npm, Maven, and Python. This versatility empowers development teams to systematically store and administer their software components in a structured manner, bolstering organizational efficiency.
• Version Control: Azure Artifacts furnishes the capability for versioning packages, instilling consistency and dependability within dependencies across diverse projects and releases. This practice promotes code reliability and stability.
• Access Control: By implementing meticulous permissions and access controls, Azure Artifacts guarantees that artifacts are solely accessible to authorized personnel. This enhances both security and regulatory compliance, safeguarding sensitive assets.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrating with development environments, build pipelines, and other facets of the Azure DevOps ecosystem, Azure Artifacts facilitates a cohesive and uninterrupted development lifecycle.
• Package Feeds: Development teams are empowered to create private or shared feeds, affording the ability to manage and disseminate packages, both within the confines of the organization and externally as needed.
• Proxy and Caching: The platform extends support for the proxying and caching of packages obtained from public package registries. This functionality optimizes critical build and deployment durations, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Artifact Search: Azure Artifacts goes a step further by offering intuitive search functionalities, easing the process of identifying and incorporating required packages, thereby mitigating friction in utilizing essential dependencies.

What Are Azure Pipelines?

Azure Pipelines serves as a cloud-centric solution for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), an integral component of Microsoft's Azure DevOps suite. This platform empowers software development groups to automate the intricate sequence of tasks encompassing application building, testing, and deployment, transcending the boundaries of diverse platforms and environments.

The essence of Azure Pipelines lies in its capacity to simplify the software development lifecycle. By permitting developers to articulate pipelines, which are orchestrated workflows, the platform can automate core functions such as code compilation, unit testing, integration testing, and deployment. These pipelines are meticulously defined using YAML-based configurations, fostering version-controlled, repeatable, and uniform workflows.

Prominent facets of Azure Pipelines encompass extensive support for an array of programming languages, platforms, and cloud providers. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with well-adopted source code repositories, including GitHub and Azure Repos. The platform's flexibility materializes in the form of customizable build and release stages, allowing development teams to adapt the process to their unique prerequisites.

Facilitated by its potent automation capabilities, Azure Pipelines assumes the role of a catalyst in enhancing code quality, expediting development cycles, and upholding the consistency of dependable and frequent software releases. In sum, Azure Pipelines constitutes a pivotal arsenal in the arsenal of modern software development, aiding practitioners in embracing efficiency, consistency, and agility.

Advantages Of Azure Pipelines

Azure Pipelines offers several advantages for modern software development through its robust CI/CD capabilities:

• Automation: Streamlines the entire software development lifecycle with automated build, test, and deployment workflows.
• Consistency: Ensures consistent and repeatable processes, reducing errors and ensuring reliable releases.
• Speed: Accelerates development cycles by automating time-consuming tasks, enabling rapid iterations.
• Scalability: Scales to handle projects of any size, supporting complex multi-stage deployments.
• Flexibility: Adapts to various programming languages, frameworks, platforms, and cloud providers.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with popular version control systems and third-party tools.
• Visibility: Provides real-time insights and reporting for tracking progress and identifying bottlenecks.
• Collaboration: Enhances cross-functional collaboration by enabling developers and operations teams to work together seamlessly.
• Testing: Ensures code quality through automated testing, catching bugs early in the development process.
• Security: Integrates with security tools to ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive information.
• Release Management: Offers advanced deployment strategies and rollbacks for controlled releases.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduces manual effort and errors, leading to cost savings over manual processes.
• YAML Configuration: Enables defining pipeline as code, promoting versioning and collaboration.
• Extensibility: Leverages a rich marketplace of extensions for customized workflows.
• On-Premises and Cloud: Supports both cloud and on-premises environments for hybrid scenarios.

How To Build Azure Ci/Cd Pipeline?

To build an Azure CI/CD pipeline, follow these steps:

Prerequisites:

• An Azure DevOps account.
• Source code repository (Azure Repos, GitHub, etc.).
• Buildable and testable application code.
• Required dependencies and configuration files.
• Properly configured environment (development, staging, production).

Create a New Pipeline:

• Log in to your Azure DevOps account.
• Navigate to your project and select "Pipelines" from the left menu.
• Click "New Pipeline" to start the pipeline creation process.

Select a Template:

• Choose a template based on your application's technology stack (e.g., .NET, Node.js, Python).
• Templates offer predefined configurations for building, testing, and deploying.

Configure Pipeline:

• Connect to your source code repository and choose the branch to trigger the pipeline.
• Configure build settings: specify build tasks, dependencies, and any required build scripts.
• Set up test tasks to validate code changes.

Configure Deployment:

• Add deployment tasks to deploy your application to various environments.
• Define deployment targets and configurations for each environment.

Save and Run:

• Save your pipeline configuration.
• Trigger a manual run or wait for automatic triggers based on code changes.

Monitor and Improve:

• Monitor pipeline runs, review logs, and identify any issues.
• Continuously improve the pipeline by incorporating feedback and optimizing build and deployment processes.

Security and Access:

• Configure appropriate security settings and access controls to safeguard your pipeline and resources.

Creating An Asp .Net Devops Project Using Azure Devops Starter

Azure DevOps project simplifies the setup of Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines within the Azure ecosystem. Whether opting for existing code or initiating a new application, Azure DevOps project streamlines the process. To create a new DevOps project, follow these steps:

Azure Account Sign-in:

• Begin by logging into your Azure account via the Microsoft Azure Portal.

Create DevOps Starter:

• Navigate to Azure Services and select the "+ Create a Resource" button.

• Search for and choose "DevOps Starter."

• Click on "Create" to initiate the process.

Select Application Type:

• In the subsequent window, opt for the ".NET" application type.

• The ".NET" sample application provides two options: Open-source ASP.NET framework or cross-platform ASP.NET Core framework. Choose the latter, the ASP.NET Core framework.
• If required, toggle to select the "Add a Database" option.
• Proceed by clicking "Next."

Deployment Target:

• Determine the deployment target: Windows Web App or Virtual Machine.
• While the default is Windows Web App, you have the flexibility to choose a Virtual Machine.
• After making your choice, proceed by clicking "Next."

Project Details:

• Input essential project details, including the Project name, Azure DevOps Organization, Subscription, and Web app name (ensuring its uniqueness within Azure).
• The location can be changed from the default (South Central US), although the default setting is acceptable for now.

Additional Settings:

• Optional adjustments to web app or database parameters can be made under Additional Settings.

Completion and Deployment:

• Once settings are finalized, select "Done" to proceed.
• Upon completion of deployment, access the resource by clicking "Go to resource."

Project Creation and Resources: The Azure DevOps CI/CD Project will be established. The Azure resources panel might take a few moments to load. This project's creation encompasses:

• A team project containing sample .NET code repository.
• An Azure Web App and Azure SQL Database (if the database option was selected) within Azure.
• A Build Pipeline, responsible for compiling and testing the application.
• A Release Pipeline, designed for deploying the application.

Collaborative CI/CD Process:

• With the project in place, collaborative efforts within your team can focus on the ASP.NET Core App.
• The automated CI/CD process ensures that the latest changes are efficiently deployed to the website.

Application View:

• To view the application, access the Azure resources pane and click on the "Browse" button situated on the right pane.

Azure DevOps eases the setup of CI/CD pipelines by offering both existing code integration and sample application generation. This simplified process, spanning creation to deployment, empowers teams to work collaboratively and leverage automated CI/CD practices for efficient software development and deployment.

Differences Between Ci/Cd, Agile And Devops