The Devops Handbook Book Summary - The Devops Handbook Book explained in key points
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The Devops Handbook summary

Gene Kim Jez Humble Patrick Debois John Willis

How to Create World-Class Agility, Reliability, & Security in Technology Organizations

4.1 (170 ratings)
17 mins

Brief summary

"The DevOps Handbook" is a guide to implementing the DevOps philosophy in organizations, focusing on culture, automation, measurement, and sharing. It offers real-life examples and practical strategies for improving software delivery performance and organizational culture.

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    The Devops Handbook
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    Meet DevOps.

    First things first: DevOps. What exactly is it? The short answer is that it's all in the name – a blend of "development" and "operations." It’s all about bridging the gap between the people who write the code and the people who make sure that code runs smoothly in the real world. But DevOps is not just a job title – it's a whole culture. It's about a group of people with a common goal working together to make magic happen.

    Picture this: two separate teams working on a massive jigsaw puzzle in different rooms. They're working hard and making progress. But what they don’t know is that both teams are working on the same puzzle without knowing it. Sounds a bit ridiculous, right? But that's exactly what happens when dev and ops teams work in what’re known as silos. In other words, they’re essentially working as isolated, independent teams within one – and often with limited communication or cooperation with each other.

    Now, imagine what they could achieve if they worked together on that puzzle, sharing pieces and helping each other out. That’s the beauty of collaboration in DevOps. It's all about bringing everyone together, sharing ideas, and getting the job done faster – all with fewer hiccups along the way.

    Let’s look at how it works in the real world. Take Amazon, for instance. In 2011, Amazon’s engineers were deploying code 15,000 times per day. By 2015, they’d introduced DevOps, broke down the silos, and got their teams working together like a well-oiled machine. The result? They now deploy more than 136,000 times per day.

    So, how can you bring this magic into your own workspaces? First, get rid of silos as much as possible. Get your dev team and your ops team together in the same room – whether that's a physical room or a Zoom room – and get them talking to each other. Let them understand the challenges and triumphs of each other's worlds. They're two sides of the same coin, after all.

    Second, get yourself some quality tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams. These can work wonders for your collaboration game. They keep everyone in the loop, let you share ideas on the go, and give you a place to celebrate those little wins that keep us all going.

    That’s the magic of DevOps and collaboration. It's not rocket science – it's all about people, communication, and working together to create something amazing.

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    What is The Devops Handbook about?

    The DevOps Handbook (2016) offers a roadmap on how to catapult your technology operations into a realm of world-class agility, reliability, and security. Dive deep into the heart of the DevOps philosophy, equipping you with insights to bridge gaps between development and operations, while fostering unmatched efficiency.

    The Devops Handbook Review

    The Devops Handbook (2016) is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding and implementing effective DevOps practices. Here's why this book is worth diving into:

    • It offers practical strategies and proven techniques for streamlining the software development and delivery process, resulting in faster, more reliable releases.
    • Backed by extensive research and industry case studies, the book provides valuable insights into the cultural and organizational aspects that are crucial for successful DevOps adoption.
    • With its engaging narrative style and relevant examples, the book manages to make the complex topic of DevOps approachable and even enjoyable, ensuring readers stay engaged throughout.

    Who should read The Devops Handbook?

    • Technology professionals seeking to enhance organizational efficiency
    • Business leaders navigating digital transformation initiatives
    • Aspiring IT managers and DevOps enthusiasts

    About the Author

    Gene Kim has previously held CTO positions at various companies and is best known for co-authoring The Phoenix Project, a bestselling business novel. 

    Patrick Debois has worked in IT operations and development at organizations such as Inuits. He helped co-found the global DevOpsDays conferences.

    John Willis is a seasoned figure in IT management, and has been part of numerous well-known tech institutions such as Canonical, Chef, and IBM. He shares his wealth of knowledge through the popular DevOps Cafe podcast

    Jez Humble is a key player in the realm of DevOps and continuous delivery, and has worked in esteemed establishments like UC Berkeley. He authored the influential book Continuous Delivery.

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    The Devops Handbook FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Devops Handbook?

    The main message of The Devops Handbook is that DevOps is crucial for successful software delivery and business performance.

    How long does it take to read The Devops Handbook?

    The reading time for The Devops Handbook varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Devops Handbook a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Devops Handbook is a must-read for anyone interested in DevOps. It provides practical insights and guidance for implementing effective DevOps practices.

    Who is the author of The Devops Handbook?

    The authors of The Devops Handbook are Gene Kim, Jez Humble, Patrick Debois, and John Willis.

    What to read after The Devops Handbook?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Devops Handbook, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Accelerate by Nicole Forsgren
    • The Phoenix Project by Gene Kim
    • Team Topologies by Matthew Skelton & Manuel Pais
    • The CIO Paradox by Martha Heller
    • Personal Kanban by Jim Benson & Tonianne DeMaria Barry
    • The Mythical Man-Month by Frederick P. Brooks
    • The Scrum Fieldbook by J.J. Sutherland
    • Atlas of AI by Kate Crawford
    • The Elements of Scrum by Chris Sims and Hillary Louise Johnson
    • Learning Agile by Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene