Azure Pipelines Cheat Sheet

• A cloud-based platform for automating code build, test, and deployment workflows using CI/CD pipelines.
• Automates software delivery across development, test, and production environments.
• Works with multiple languages and platforms (e.g., .NET, Java, Node.js, Python).
• Integrates with GitHub, Azure Repos, Bitbucket, and other Git providers.
• Supports both YAML (as code) and visual designer for pipeline configuration.

Azure Pipelines Key Features

• Cross-platform support
  Build and deploy applications on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Choose between Microsoft-hosted or self-hosted agents depending on your environment needs.
• Language-agnostic execution
  Supports a wide range of languages such as .NET, Java, Python, Node.js, and more. You can build, test, and deploy virtually any type of application.
• YAML pipeline as code
  Define pipelines using YAML files stored in your code repository. This enables version control, easier collaboration, and consistent workflows.
• Visual pipeline editor
  Create and modify pipelines using a drag-and-drop web interface. Ideal for teams that prefer a low-code or UI-driven setup.
• Secure secrets management
  Store sensitive values as encrypted variables or integrate with Azure Key Vault. Secrets are masked during runtime and hidden in logs.
• Custom tasks and templates
  Add functionality with marketplace tasks or define your own using scripts. Reuse pipeline logic across projects using YAML templates.
• Parallel and matrix jobs
  Run multiple jobs at the same time or across different configurations. This reduces build times and improves testing coverage.
• Built-in caching
  Cache dependencies and files to speed up subsequent pipeline runs. Helps optimize performance and reduce external download times.
• Pipeline templates
  Define reusable pipeline logic in separate YAML files and reference them across multiple pipelines.
• Environment
  A logical grouping of resources (e.g., Kubernetes clusters, virtual machines) where you deploy pipeline jobs, with support for approvals and checks.
• Approvals and checks
  Manually approve or set automated checks (e.g., branch policy) before a stage runs.
• Conditional execution
  Run stages, jobs, or steps only when specific conditions are met (e.g., only on main branch).

Azure Pipelines Important Terminologies

• Pipeline: Defines the full CI/CD process from source code to deployment.
• Stage: Logical grouping of jobs (e.g., build, test, release).
• Job: Set of steps executed together on an agent.
• Step: Single task or command (e.g., script, install, test).
• Agent: Virtual machine that runs jobs (Microsoft-hosted or self-hosted).
• Artifact: Output files (e.g., build results) used in later stages.
• Trigger: Event (e.g., push to branch) that starts the pipeline.
• Environment: A collection of resources targeted for deployment (e.g., Dev, Test, Production).
• Approval: A manual check before a deployment proceeds.
• Check: An automated requirement (e.g., passing tests) before a deployment.
• Template: A reusable YAML file that defines pipeline logic.
• Variable: A name-value pair stored and used across pipeline runs.
• Service connection: A secure link to external services (e.g., Azure subscription, GitHub).

Azure Pipelines Use Cases

• Continuous integration and delivery for web, desktop, and mobile apps.
• Automated testing of code changes with reporting.
• Deployment of infrastructure using IAC tools.
• Create and distribute packages (NuGet, npm, Python).
• Multi-environment deployments with approvals and gates.
• Running pipelines conditionally based on code changes.
• Coordinating microservice build and deploy workflows.

Azure Pipelines Integration Options

• Azure Repos: First-party Git integration.
• GitHub: CI/CD integration with pull request triggers.
• Bitbucket: Connect for builds and deployments.
• Azure Artifacts: Share and consume build outputs.
• Azure Container Registry: Push Docker images from pipelines.
• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): Deploy apps to Kubernetes clusters.
• Azure Key Vault: Inject secrets securely into pipeline tasks.
• Service connections: Securely connect to Azure services, GitHub, and other external resources.
• Pipeline artifacts: Store and pass files between stages.
• Terraform/ARM/Bicep: Infrastructure as code support.
• Notification apps (Slack, Teams, Email): Send pipeline status updates through service hooks or messaging tasks.

Azure Pipelines Pricing

• Microsoft-hosted agents
  • 1 free parallel job with 1,800 minutes/month for public and private projects.
  • Additional parallel jobs available for purchase (pricing varies by job type and commitment).
• Self-hosted agents
  • Unlimited free parallel jobs with unlimited minutes.
  • Requires your own infrastructure and maintenance.

Note: Pricing and free grant details can change. Always check the official pricing page for current rates.

Azure Pipelines References:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/pipelines/get-started/what-is-azure-pipelines?view=azure-devops

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/pipelines/get-started/key-pipelines-concepts?view=azure-devops

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/devops/azure-devops-services