DevSecOps

DevSecOps is a multifaceted concept that encompasses technology, tools, practices, and mindset, and then goes beyond these aspects. It's an integral part of both revamping legacy software projects and accelerating modern, precise, and swift software development. DevSecOps encapsulates five critical areas: DevSecOps mindset, Delivery Pipelines, Test Automation, Security, and Environments. Each of these aspects is comprehensively addressed by NorthCode.

DevSecOps Mindset

The DevSecOps mindset places feedback loops at its core. With every modification, we aim to gain prompt and accurate feedback. Automation is a central player in achieving this. We depend on automation for insights into the quality of changes made. Rapid release cycles also contribute significantly, as the ultimate measure of success is customer feedback.

Delivery Pipelines

Code residing on a developer's hard drive adds no value to the end user. In contrast, code in production holds potential value. This necessitates the creation of efficient and reliable delivery pipelines that are heavily automated.

Test Automation

For quality assurance, we implement Quality Gates in our pipelines, where Test Automation is pivotal. Quality Gates function at every level of a test pyramid, commencing with the most basic level (e.g., Unit Test). As each change progresses within the Delivery Pipeline, tests of increasing complexity are executed (e.g., Integration and Acceptance Test). If vital tests fail in the pipeline, the delivery halts until each specific issue is rectified.

Security

Unlike traditional approaches where security audits are conducted at the end of each project, DevSecOps advocates for continuous security checks throughout the software development process. This proactive approach ensures fewer faults are found during the final audits, as potential vulnerabilities are identified and addressed in real-time. While comprehensive audits still occur at the end of the project, they are less likely to uncover significant issues thanks to the continuous checks.

Environments

DevSecOps leans heavily on the Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) paradigm. As modern software development becomes increasingly reliant on Cloud Native, we must also consider the maintenance and updating of existing machines. Whether your infrastructure spans from a hardware PC to serverless functions in the cloud, all environmental maintenance can be automated through Infrastructure as Code.Overall, DevSecOps envelops everything from development to production environments, incorporating necessary monitoring in each area, to provide a faster, more reliable, and controlled outcome.