There are many ways businesses can approach DevOps automation. Recently, it has become a goal to reduce human help in favor of automated tooling. DevOps tools ease up feedback loops between operations and development teams. With smooth communication, teams can build applications faster by giving out iterative updates.
Yet, the way organizations approach automation depends on their internal needs. They can choose between the two most used options. It is a CLI approach to writing custom scripts. Or a no-code/low-code automation tool that speeds up workflow development.
Sencury would like to speak about these two approaches to make them clearer for the readers. So, let’s proceed!
What’s Cloud DevOps?
DevOps belongs to a software engineering practice intertwined with cloud computing. In DevOps, software engineers collaborate with different teams, i.e., IT operations. DevOps is the top software development approach on a global level. You can read more about the practice itself here: DevOps and Agile Culture. Cloud DevOps works through a web interface. Therefore, any interventions made require using DevOps tools that do not need coding. By making configurations (or pressing buttons) DevOps experts carry out an easy task. The paradox lies in the fact that the job is relatively easy and highly paid, but there is a lack of skilled specialists to do it. In the DevOps world, your knowledge is equal to the years of your experience. The more the better. Read more about Cloud-Specific DevOps here.
What is Scripting?
The process of automation for DevOps system administrators begins with command-line tools. These are the perfect means of automation and DevOps engineers have to understand them with flying colors. For instance, CLI tools are free of charge, so you can write scripts for tasks right away. If your organization pursues the goal of full-stack automation, you are most probably going to use a command line 100% of the time.
Also, scripting presupposes using DevOps programming scripting languages. These are mostly domain specific languages (DSL). For example,
query languages (SQL, XPath)
template languages (Django, Smarty)
Shell scripts
command line web browsers (Twill)
data storage and exchange languages (XM, YAML),
document languages (LaTex, HTML),
infrastructure orchestration languages (Terraform).
Reasons to use Scripts
Write a script to save time and avoid manual work (daily activities)
Write a script to do all the work, e.g., install pre-requisite and to build the code with user input to enable/disable some features
Write a script to stop or start multiple applications together
Use scripts to observe a large database of files, analyze and find some patterns there
What is Low-Code and No-Code DevOps?
Low-code/no-code is the DevOps method of app design and development. It is also called Rapid Application Development (RAD). Here, the written code is not required as well as developers. Yet, there is a need to use drag-and-drop intuitive tools.
No-code/low-code development tools simplify the SDLC. Thus, they use a visual interface. This way, development becomes easier and faster. Mainly, due to pre-built integrations and configurable application components. With the tools that allow you not to code the focus shifts to the logical steps of a workflow. Experienced developers prefer this method as it's easier to link workflow steps together.
Low-code tools still need some technical knowledge. Thus, skilled developers writing code can use them to speed up development. Low-code tools can give you the most support and acceleration in the process.
No-code tools allow non-tech people to build workflows on their own. This way they can test applications for business purposes faster. These tools break the automation barrier for non-coders. Also, they can make anyone the automation expert within an organization.
Low-Code and No-Code Tools Applicability
Let’s compare Low-Code and No-Code development with DevOps tools.
By 2024, 65% of applications will use some form of low-code or no-code tools – Gartner predicts.
Why You Should Choose Low-Code/No-Code Development?
Complex Technology Stack
Organizations tend to scale, and, thus, their stack becomes more complex. DevOps should be able to adapt to these prompt changes. Its tools help companies with scaling in an efficient and iterative way. Also, across web, mobile, email, and chat platforms.
DevOps tools add strength and agility to provide continuous integration. With continuity at stake, you can deliver at any scale.
Adjust to Business Needs
With innovations, businesses experience new technology stacks. So, it becomes a great need to start migrations or accept tool overlaps.
No-code/low-code development platforms can connect many tools together. This way, you can speed up migrations and track integrations quickly.
API Ecosystem
New tools and APIs are constantly entering the market. No-code workflow tools allow users to plug in new APIs to their automation strategy.
APIs are becoming a part of organizational strategy. Enterprises think about API integration as a critical part of their business strategy. Usage, management, and economy due to APIs will reduce clutter. Also, it will give time to complete automated tasks.
Security and Service
NTraditional security can barely adapt to dynamic multi-cloud infrastructure configurations. Automated runtime security is critical to DevSecOps and problem management. With no-code/low-code tools you gain the right support.
Resource-Limited DevOps Teams
DevOps and SecOps teams are understaffed these days. To be a skilled professional you have to have years of experience. Therefore, there’s a skill shortage and critical security requirements to maintain. Here, low-code and no-code tools can be of great help as well. With their help, small teams can speed up their automation coverage.
Sencury on Scripting, Low-code and No-code DevOps
Our team uses DevOps to build, test and deliver software faster and more reliably. Sencury makes sure our clients receive only continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment. Our primary goal is to build a culture of shared responsibility, transparency, and faster feedback. DevOps engineers from Sencury implement DevOps practices and approaches to make your business software competitive in the market.
