What DevOps Pipelines Do in Application Lifecycle Management for Dynamics 365
DevOps Pipelines change how people manage Application Lifecycle Management for Dynamics 365. They do this by making tasks automatic instead of manual. Azure DevOps uses Microsoft-hosted build agents to do builds. This means you do not need extra virtual machines. The pipeline puts together source packages and gets code from source control. This makes getting ready easier and helps stop mistakes. Automated deployment sends packages right to Lifecycle Services. It also takes care of steps for each environment. Power Platform pipelines and CI/CD let more people use these tools. This makes best practices and automation easy to reach. Developers who like working fast and following rules really like this way.
Key Takeaways
DevOps Pipelines do build, packaging, and deployment jobs automatically. This makes software delivery faster and lowers mistakes.
YAML pipelines help teams track changes and work together better. They use code to automate tasks.
Version control with Git or TFVC keeps code safe. It helps fix errors and connects work to project goals.
Automated testing and error checks find problems early. This makes solutions better and more reliable.
Clear deployment plans and environment controls keep updates safe. They help systems run smoothly.
DevOps Pipelines in ALM
DevOps Pipelines make many tasks automatic in Application Lifecycle Management for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. They help teams build, package, and update software quickly and correctly. These pipelines use Azure DevOps, CI/CD, and Power Platform Build Tools to make software delivery steady and safe.
Build Automation
Build automation in DevOps Pipelines makes sure every build is the same. Teams use Microsoft-hosted agents and Azure Pipelines to put code together and make packages. Tools like MSBuild, NuGet packages, and Visual Studio projects help organize code and handle what it needs.
Build automation has many good points:
It uses the same steps each time, so people make fewer mistakes.
It makes updates faster, so teams can share new things more often.
It makes checking and approving easier, so rules are followed.
It helps with testing, so problems are found early.
It helps everyone work together by using the same tools.
Build automation in DevOps Pipelines helps teams finish good work faster and with fewer errors.
Solution Packaging
DevOps Pipelines package solutions so teams can deploy them the same way every time. Teams keep build and release pipelines apart to stay organized. They connect projects to solution files, so the pipeline knows what to build. YAML files with scripts help make packaging automatic.
Best ways to package solutions are:
Use different build and release pipelines to keep things clear.
Connect projects to solution files for correct builds.
Use YAML scripts to make packaging the same each time.
Put build results in artifact spots for easy use.
Use Lifecycle Services Asset Upload to handle versions.
Turn on continuous deployment to make releases smooth.
Keep certificates safe with Azure Key Vault.
Copy GitHub samples to make sure things work together.
Automatic solution packaging uses a set pattern. It helps teams keep track of versions, so they can go back or forward if needed. Using CI/CD pipelines lets teams send out small updates often. Checks like code reviews and security scans make things safer. Teams can use feature flags and circuit breakers to control new features and fix problems fast.
Automated solution packaging in DevOps Pipelines makes deployments steady and safe, so there is less risk and better quality.
Deployment Strategies
DevOps Pipelines use careful plans to move solutions from start to finish. Teams set up automatic CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps to move solutions in and out. Build pipelines handle exports and work with version control. Release pipelines put solutions into the right places.
Good deployment strategies are:
Use Power Platform Build Tools for these jobs.
Set up service connections with safe passwords.
Share artifacts for release pipelines to use.
Start releases to send solutions to the right places.
Make the process automatic to save time and stop mistakes.
Teams use the same tools everywhere to find problems early. Automatic tests and watching systems help teams get ready. Ring-based deployment lets a few people try new things first, so there is less risk. Doing updates during the day helps teams fix problems fast. Talking clearly and watching closely helps teams fix things quickly and keep systems working.
Deployment strategies in DevOps Pipelines help teams send updates safely, make fewer mistakes, and keep everything running well.
Pipeline Types
YAML Pipelines
YAML pipelines use code to show steps for building and releasing Dynamics 365 solutions. Teams write these pipelines in YAML and keep them with the application code. Each branch can have its own pipeline. This helps teams track changes and make builds fit their needs. YAML pipelines let teams use templates and container jobs. These features help save time and keep work neat.
Teams can check and approve changes to YAML pipelines like they do with code. This makes it easy to see who made changes and when. YAML pipelines help teams find problems by letting them compare versions fast. Many groups pick YAML pipelines because they help with automation, versioning, and teamwork.
Tip: YAML pipelines are good for teams that want to use pipeline-as-code and need strong version control.
Classic Pipelines
Classic pipelines use a visual editor in the Azure DevOps web portal. Teams build and release by dragging and dropping tasks. This way helps new users start fast, even if they do not know much code. Classic pipelines keep build and release steps apart. Some teams like this because it is clear.
Some features, like special approval steps, only work in classic release pipelines. Classic pipelines are still used, especially for Finance & Operations teams who need older tools. But classic pipelines do not have as much versioning or teamwork as YAML pipelines.
When picking between YAML and classic pipelines, teams should think about what they need. YAML pipelines are best for teams that want automation and code reviews. Classic pipelines work well for teams that like a visual editor or need older tools. Many experts say to use YAML pipelines for new projects to get better versioning and reuse.
Version Control
Source Control Integration
Source control integration helps teams keep code and work together. Teams use Git or TFVC to manage code changes. Git is popular now because it makes branching and merging simple. Azure DevOps gives one place for code, tasks, and team talk. This helps everyone know what is happening.
Code changes connect to work items like user stories. This shows how code meets needs.
Commits and pull requests can update work items by themselves. This makes teamwork easier.
Pull requests can finish work items when merged. This keeps the process steady.
Teams can see what happened by linking work items to code, builds, and releases.
Queries help teams find work items linked to code. This helps with tracking and reports.
Git works with Dataverse so people can work alone but share code in one place.
Source control is the main record. It helps teams fix mistakes and keep things safe.
Branching
Branching lets teams work on different things at once. In Dynamics 365 ALM, teams use three main branch types:
Teams make feature branches from the main branch for new work. Pull requests bring these changes back and start builds and deployments. This makes sure code is checked and rules are followed. Builds check every change, and release pipelines make deployments faster. Using feature branches for each change helps track and record work.
Artifact Management
Artifact management keeps build outputs like packages and files safe. Microsoft Azure Artifacts is used most for this in Dynamics 365 DevOps pipelines. Artifacts make sure teams use the right files for each deployment.
Deployment setting files, saved as artifacts, tell what each environment needs. Release pipelines use these files to set up deployments and stop problems. This makes sure deployments work the same way every time.
Release Management
Environment Configuration
Release pipelines help move solutions between different environments. They use platform hosts and custom hosts to control deployments. Admins set up these hosts and link them to environments. Each environment connects to one host at a time. Admins can change which host an environment uses. Pipelines show only the environments users can access. This depends on their permissions and where they are.
Platform hosts cover the whole tenant and update by themselves.
Custom hosts give admins more control but need manual updates.
Permissions use roles like "Deployment Pipeline Default" and "Deployment Pipeline Maker." These roles decide who can make and run pipelines.
Admins can stop people from making personal pipelines in some environments by using custom hosts.
The Deployment Pipeline Configuration app helps admins manage environment records. It lets them change environment types and control links. Azure Active Directory and Lifecycle Services help keep access safe and manage environments.
Release pipelines help organize environments and permissions. This makes deployments safer and easier to control.
Automated Testing
Automated testing checks solutions before they go live. Tools like TestComplete and Leapwork run tests on business workflows and user screens. These tools work with Azure Test Plans. Teams can link manual and automated tests together. Automated tests check many situations, including special cases and changes.
Automated testing has many good points:
It removes mistakes people might make.
It checks more things than manual testing.
It works with CI/CD for nonstop testing.
It gives fast feedback on code changes.
Teams use test parts again and connect tests to source control. Automated regression testing finds problems early and keeps systems working well. Videos and detailed test files help teams fix failures.
Automated testing in DevOps Pipelines makes solutions better and more reliable. Every change gets tested.
Error Reduction
Release pipelines lower errors by making deployment steps automatic. They follow best practices. CI/CD moves changes through environments in a safe way. Automated tests and checks find problems before deployment. Pipelines keep a record of deployments and let teams go back to good setups.
Azure DevOps gives high uptime and backup features to keep businesses running.
Backups and geo-redundant storage protect data.
Live site teams and DDoS protections keep services working.
Infrastructure as Code keeps environments the same and stops drift.
Automatic rollback and failure checks help teams get ready for real problems.
DevOps Pipelines help stop downtime and data loss. This keeps businesses working. Small, frequent changes lower the risk of mistakes. Azure Active Directory, Lifecycle Services, and variable groups help keep deployments safe and steady.
Error reduction in release pipelines keeps Dynamics 365 solutions stable. It helps businesses keep working.
DevOps Pipelines let teams finish Dynamics 365 projects faster. They also help teams make fewer mistakes. When build, test, and deployment tasks are automatic, software gets better. Releases happen more quickly too. Teams can work together better with shared dashboards. Clear tools for talking help everyone understand what is going on.
Automation means people do less work by hand. It also makes things go faster.
Continuous integration and testing find problems early.
Shared tools and dashboards keep everyone up to date.
Teams using DevOps Pipelines get better results. They also work together more. Developers and project teams should use these pipelines. This will help make their Dynamics 365 projects better.
FAQ
What is a DevOps pipeline in Dynamics 365?
A DevOps pipeline in Dynamics 365 is a group of steps that run by themselves. These steps help build, package, and put out solutions. Teams use pipelines to move code from where it is made to where it is used.
Pipelines help teams finish work faster and make fewer mistakes.
What tools do teams use for DevOps pipelines?
Teams use Azure DevOps, Power Platform Build Tools, and Lifecycle Services. These tools help teams build code, package solutions, and send out updates without doing it by hand.
What benefits do automated pipelines provide?
Automated pipelines help teams save time and do things right. They help teams find problems before they get big. Pipelines also make it safer and easier to send out new updates.
Releases happen faster
Teams make fewer errors
Teamwork gets better
What is the difference between YAML and classic pipelines?
YAML pipelines use code to show each step. Classic pipelines use a screen where you can move things around. YAML pipelines are better for keeping track of changes. Classic pipelines are easier for people who are just starting.
Teams pick the one that fits what they know and need.
What does version control mean in DevOps pipelines?
Version control keeps track of changes to code and solutions. Teams use Git or TFVC for this. Version control helps teams fix mistakes and see who changed what.
Version control helps keep projects neat and safe.