Azure DevOps Pipelines | Type of Azure DevOps pipelines | Classic vs Yaml Pipelines

Azure DevOps offers two main types of pipelines for automating workflows: Classic Pipelines and YAML Pipelines. 

1. Classic Pipelines (GUI-based Pipelines)

These pipelines are created and managed using a graphical user interface (GUI) in Azure DevOps. They are suitable for users who prefer a no-code or low-code approach and need an easier setup. Classic pipelines consist of:

• Build Pipelines: Automates the process of compiling code, running tests, and producing binaries.
• Release Pipelines: Manages the deployment of applications to various environments such as staging, production, etc.

Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface.
• Predefined templates.
• Suited for users who prefer visual, step-by-step management of tasks.

Example:

Click here for configuring Azure DevOps Classic pipeline for a Java Web App.

2. YAML Pipelines (Code-based Pipelines)

These pipelines are defined as code using YAML syntax, giving you full control over the pipeline's configuration. YAML pipelines offer a more flexible, scalable, and maintainable approach for CI/CD.

Key features:

• Continuous Integration (CI): Automates the process of integrating code changes from multiple contributors in a shared repository.
• Continuous Delivery (CD): Automates the deployment of applications to production environments.

Advantages:

• Fully version-controlled, as the pipeline definition is part of the codebase.
• Supports multi-stage pipelines, allowing you to define build, test, and deployment stages in a single file.
• Ideal for more complex workflows and teams that require a more DevOps-oriented, infrastructure-as-code approach.

Example: 

Click here for configuring Azure DevOps YAML pipeline for a Java Web App.