What Does a DevOps Engineer Do?

DevOps engineers undertake multiple operations such as software development and management. In order to contribute to these, they coordinate with several teams. Developing a broad understanding of what does a DevOps engineer do is integral, prior to availing of their expertise. Along with this, identifying the essence of a DevOps strategy is of use as it aids in the development of software. It is through the formation of this strategy that such engineers function. Note that their functioning can differ, depending on the specific area of expertise. As evangelists, managers, developers, or testers, their roles/responsibilities can undergo variations. Attaining thorough knowledge of the same can assist businesses or organizations in choosing the right solutions.

What Do DevOps Engineers Do?

Today, in the world of booming software development, a DevOps engineer plays an important role in routine tasks within an organization. Such a professional ensures smooth coordination between development and operations teams. 

To understand further what does a DevOps engineer do, one should look at the practices associated with it. 

• DevOps engineers follow practices to assist companies in managing: 
  • Development,
  • And, tool deployment. 
• Their role is significant in testing for ensuring speed and efficiency. 
• To carry out their functions, they rely on the DevOps strategy.

An Overview of the DevOps Strategy

DevOps is a significant software development strategy. Its functioning can take place through common DevOps tools including Jenkins, Selenium, Git and GitHub, Docker, etc. Note that this strategy includes the collaboration of operations and development. Thus, through its utilization, the gap between developers and IT professionals is bridged. 

• With DevOps, businesses can quickly release small features. 
• They can introduce changes as per the shared feedback received. 
• Owing to this strategy, fewer software failures are observed.
• Further, it results in a shortened completion or lead time between fixes. 

How Does a DevOps Engineer Function?

A DevOps engineer functions by applying a software development approach. Through this, regular incremental improvements are made to the versions of codes. This helps in frequently carrying out deployment. Along with this, these engineers utilize development tools for creating and updating codes.

In addition to knowing what does a DevOps engineer do, it is important to have the knowledge required to specialize in the position. 

Knowledge and Expertise Required

A DevOps engineer has a knowledge base of detailed information on development and operations. These include coding, system administration, infrastructure management, and DevOps toolchains. Showcasing excellent interpersonal skills, they work in a collaborative environment to give rise to these processes.

In addition to knowing advanced technologies, such engineers should have expertise in specific areas.

• They are required to be well-versed in the necessary toolset as well as practices. 
• The toolset/practices can comprise:
  • Agile principles,
  • Source control, 
  • Familiarity with receiving/giving code reviews,
  • And, performing unit testing.

Key Responsibilities:

The role of a DevOps engineer, as well as responsibilities, usually comprises a combination of technical and management operations. They must showcase outstanding communication and coordination skills. Besides, they are required to deliver the best services that satisfy customers’ needs.

Several other core responsibilities also indicate what does a DevOps engineer do. 

• A DevOps engineer has to collaborate with development and operations teams. 
• He/she has to check and address bottlenecks in the software development lifecycle.
• One must design and deploy automation tools/frameworks for: 
  • Continuous integration, 
  • Delivery, 
  • And, implementation.

• The professional must monitor and manage infrastructure to ensure: 
  • Maximum performance, 
  • Security, 
  • And, scalability.

• Such engineers have to address troubleshooting. 
• They need to resolve issues related to: 
  • Application development management, 
  • Deployment, 
  • And, operations.

• Their duty is to deploy and maintain: 
  • Version control systems, 
  • Configuration management tools, 
  • And, other DevOps-related technologies.

• They should ensure that the deployed tools and technologies meet: 
  • The industry’s best standards, 
  • And, adhere to organizational policies.

• Also, they have to work towards improving processes and tools to enhance efficiency/productivity.
• DevOps engineers ensure routine application repairs for hassle-free production runs.
• They suggest new ways to enhance performance by: 
  • Gap analysis, 
  • Suggesting alternative solutions, 
  • And, assisting with the changes.

Types of DevOps Professionals

DevOps job titles can be of varied types. Professionals attaining these titles can specialize as managers, engineers, testers, developers, etc. In accordance with the same, their primary responsibilities can differ.

DevOps Evangelist: A DevOps evangelist is the principal officer or leader who deploys DevOps.

Release Manager: Typically, a DevOps release manager oversees the launch of new features. Further, the manager ensures post-release product stability.

Automation Engineer: DevOps automation engineers work with orchestration teams. Also, they contribute to the development of backend apps.

Software Developer/Tester: Commonly, a DevOps developer or tester has to be reliable for developing codes, in addition to managing their testing.

Security Engineer: Primarily, security engineers in DevOps monitor a product’s security & health.

DevOps Quality Assurance: DevOps Quality Assurance or QA makes certain that the quality of products is high. Moreover, he/she checks whether these products adhere to the required or necessary standards.

What are the Main Skills of DevOps Engineers?

Software development is among the main abilities or skills of DevOps engineers. Due to their experience in designing software applications, they are able to master their expertise. They possess knowledge of scripting languages like Java, JavaScript, Perl, Ruby, Python, PHP, Groovy, Bash, etc.

A DevOps engineer has 5 additional skills to perform several operations with excellence.

Communication Skills:

Since DevOps engineers have to work with different teams, they have to showcase strong communication skills. Note that verbal and written communication is important while working on various projects. They help achieve business goals and put the DevOps culture into place across departments.

Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting:

Professionals like DevOps engineers have to identify relevant problems. He/she detects the bottlenecks that emerge in day-to-day organizational operations. They suggest alterations if needed and deploy changes to resolve the complexities as well as meet the standards.

Process-Oriented Abilities:

A DevOps engineer lays emphasis on processes and procedures in place of results and underlying causes. Through these abilities, they obtain a detailed understanding of the problem before experimenting with the solutions.

Automation Skills:

Skills for automation are possessed by a DevOps engineer. Hence, such a professional can easily automate the entire DevOps pipeline. From automating processes such as CI/CD cycles and monitoring app performance to making configurations, they expertly manage everything.

Scripting and Coding Skills: 

Engineers specializing in DevOps are experts in coding and scripting. They have an understanding of multiple programming languages. Some of these include Python, Java, Javascript, and Node. These skills enable them to manage processes relating to different projects. 

Which Company is the Best for DevOps Services?

Leading companies like Kodehash are reliable for the best DevOps services. Owing to its team of DevOps engineers, it is able to deliver exceptional services every time. They understand unique business requirements and are capable of aligning with new projects. Thus, they make valuable contributions from the get-go. 

Empowering Organizations with DevOps Services

Being a leading DevOps services provider, Kodehash has empowered organizations of multiple types. It has extended reliable solutions to global enterprises, ISVs, startups, as well as big and small organizations. In order to expand their reach and establish a brand distinction, these solutions have been functional.

• At Kodehash, DevOps is considered a practice that undergoes cultural changes.
• It believes in the proper implementation of management principles.
• Further, it engages in using the right tools/technologies. 
• Its DevOps engineers bring a transformation through their core skills. 
• Importantly, they can make customized DevOps-driven solutions accessible. 

In a Nutshell

DevOps engineers are professionals who majorly contribute to software development. Besides, they play a key role in tool deployment, troubleshooting, etc. Thoroughly knowing what Does a DevOps engineer do can enable organizations to utilize the professional’s expertise for relevant operations. Also, selecting the best DevOps service provider/company can make a noticeable difference.