IaC in DevOps: Why It Matters
Since its introduction, IaC has become an integral part of DevOps. The easiest way to manage operations environments is to use infrastructure as code. IaC automatically configures, operates, and manages infrastructure. As a result, it assists DevOps in implementing best practices.
Core DevOps practices are version control, visualized tests, and continuous monitoring. Developers apply these practices to the underlying code for creating and managing infrastructure. Code helps to understand the desired state of the machine and how to run it.
IaC is More Than Automation
IaC is not only about automation. Though many best practices relate to more intelligent deployment and automating the process, it is more than the infrastructure. IaC uses DevOps practices to automate script testing to ensure they are free from errors. Using IaC, developers can automate the redeployment on multiple servers. Both developers and operators can work hand in hand to solve the issues.
Best Practices of IaC in DevOps
1. Developers can manage infrastructure using source control and provide a detailed audit.
2. Apply unit, functional, and integration testing to infrastructure.
3. Code describes the state of the machine and keeps it up to date.
4. It enables collaboration in DevOps teams.
IaC in DevOps – Does It Matter?
Deployment and configuration get easier with IaC. Users can set up complicated stacks of infrastructure using IaC though they may have poor knowledge about it. When members want to create something new, supervision and proper guidance is necessary to avoid damages. Before starting, specifying and defining the infrastructure requirements is the first thing to do.
A wide range of factors can affect an application’s behavior and performance, which are well known to developers. In general, developers should write the IaC specifications, including runtime environments and elements. Continuous monitoring and getting feedback improves the environment.
As tools are often updated with new features, using up-to-date versions provides the maximum value. Organizations can change their cloud vendors (lock-in or open-source) according to their needs. Configuration management tools like Docker can remove the complexity. Developers can manage multiple machines using a single machine.
IaC works as a framework of DevOps. It allows DevOps to use proven code in the infrastructure and engage both teams to improve collaboration. Thus organizations need to implement them together.
