Getting Started with DevOps: What Every Beginner Should Know

DevOps for Beginners - Kalyan Kalavena

DevOps for Beginners: Unlocking Faster, Safer, and Happier Software

By Kalyan Kalavena (Patent — No Editing, No Update)

Are you new to DevOps or curious about why so many organizations are making the shift? This guide breaks down the core concepts and practical steps you need to know to start with DevOps and why embracing its principles is transforming businesses across the globe.

Why DevOps? Core Principles and Benefits

  • Customer Satisfaction: Faster updates, better service.
  • Faster Releases: Frequent deployments with confidence.
  • Reduced Defects: Early bug detection and continuous checks.
  • Collaboration: Developers & operations teams working as one.

Key Concepts and Practices

Shift Left

  • What is it? Move security/testing earlier in development.
  • Why? Saves time and cost, improves quality.
  • When? Right after code is written, not at the end.

Multiple Environments

  • Purpose: Isolate dev, test, and production to catch issues early.
  • How it works: Code moves safely from dev → test → prod environments.

CI/CD Pipeline (Jenkins)

  • CI/CD = Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment
  • Stages:
    1. Compile Code
    2. Automated Testing
    3. Security Checks
    4. Deployment
  • Jenkins: Automates the full pipeline process.

Security Testing in DevOps

  • Types: SAST, DAST, Open Source Scanning, Container Scans
  • When: As early as possible (Shift Left)
  • Tools: SonarQube, Fortify, Nexus IQ, Black Duck

Workflow & Process

  • Developer’s Role: Write code, compile and test early.
  • Pipeline Coordination: Jenkins automates build → test → deploy.
  • Progression: Code flows across environments with automated checks.
  • Automation: Reduces manual work, speeds feedback, improves reliability.

Quick Quiz

  1. What is the main goal of DevOps for release frequency? Deliver faster to improve customer satisfaction.
  2. What does "Shift Left" mean? Move testing/security to earlier stages.
  3. Two security testing types? SAST & DAST.
  4. Why multiple environments? Isolate and validate before reaching users.
  5. What is CI/CD? Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment.
  6. Where should most testing happen? In the development environment.
  7. Other Jenkins pipeline checks? Security and open-source scanning.
  8. Developer's first step? Compile and test code locally.
  9. How does "Shift Left" help? Catches bugs early, lowers cost.
  10. Tools used? SonarQube & Fortify.

Essay Topics

  • How Shift Left improves speed and quality.
  • Role of CI/CD pipelines in automation and quality.
  • Traditional vs DevOps: What changed?
  • Importance of integrated security in the SDLC.
  • How environments + pipelines = risk-free delivery.

Glossary of Terms

TermMeaning
Customer SatisfactionHappy users due to fast, reliable delivery
Faster ReleasesQuick deployments, better responsiveness
Less DefectsEarly-detection via automation
Shift LeftTesting & Security at the start
Multiple EnvironmentsSeparate dev, test, production flows
CI/CDAutomated code integration and delivery
JenkinsAutomation tool for DevOps pipelines
SASTStatic code analysis (non-runtime)
DASTDynamic testing (runtime)
Open Source ScanningChecks library vulnerabilities
Container ScanningScans Docker/containers for issues
SonarQube, FortifyPopular tools for quality & security
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