> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://notes.kodekloud.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is Azure DevOps

> Azure DevOps is Microsoft’s cloud-native suite of services that supports the entire software delivery lifecycle, unifying planning, coding, building, testing, and deploying.

Azure DevOps is Microsoft’s cloud-native suite of services that supports the entire software delivery lifecycle. It unifies planning, coding, building, testing, and deploying into a seamless experience—backed by extensibility through first- and third-party integrations.

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  ![The image is an introduction to Azure DevOps, featuring icons for Azure Subscriptions, Azure Repos, Azure Pipelines, and Azure Boards, along with a cloud and computer graphic.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752868094/notes-assets/images/AZ-400-Designing-and-Implementing-Microsoft-DevOps-Solutions-What-is-Azure-DevOps/azure-devops-introduction-icons-cloud-computer.jpg)
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## Core Services

Azure DevOps offers three foundational services that streamline modern development:

| Service   | Purpose                                   | Example Action                       |
| --------- | ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Boards    | Agile planning & work tracking            | Create work items, sprints, backlogs |
| Repos     | Git-based version control & collaboration | `git clone`, pull requests           |
| Pipelines | Automated CI/CD                           | YAML builds, release gates           |

<Frame>
  ![The image outlines three core features: boards for project tracking, repos for source control, and pipelines for CI/CD, each represented with an icon.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752868095/notes-assets/images/AZ-400-Designing-and-Implementing-Microsoft-DevOps-Solutions-What-is-Azure-DevOps/project-tracking-source-control-ci-cd.jpg)
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<Callout icon="lightbulb" color="#1CB2FE">
  You can extend each service with Marketplace extensions—such as test management, package feeds, and integration with third-party tools—to fit your workflow.
</Callout>

***

## Aligning with DevOps Principles

Azure DevOps aligns tightly with core DevOps best practices:

* **Continuous Integration (CI):** Automate builds and tests on each commit with Pipelines.
* **Continuous Delivery (CD):** Deploy reliably to dev, test, and production.
* **Collaboration & Visibility:** Track progress via Boards, Dashboards, and backlogs.
* **Infrastructure as Code (IaC):** Manage Azure resources with ARM templates, Terraform, or Bicep.

***

## AZ-400 Exam Focus Areas

If you’re preparing for the [AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions](https://learn.microsoft.com/learn/certifications/exams/az-400/) certification, key topics include:

1. **Azure Services Integration**
   * Service connections, resource groups, Azure Key Vault
2. **DevOps Strategies**
   * Branching patterns, automated testing, security scanning
3. **CI/CD Pipeline Design**
   * YAML vs. Classic pipelines, release gates, deployment strategies

<Frame>
  ![The image outlines the focus areas for the AZ-400 exam, which include understanding Azure services and implementing DevOps strategies, alongside a Microsoft certification badge for the AZ-400 exam.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752868096/notes-assets/images/AZ-400-Designing-and-Implementing-Microsoft-DevOps-Solutions-What-is-Azure-DevOps/az-400-exam-focus-areas-diagram.jpg)
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***

## Summary

Azure DevOps delivers an end-to-end solution for planning, developing, testing, and deploying applications. Its native integration with Azure services makes it a cornerstone for any modern DevOps environment—enabling faster delivery, higher quality, and improved collaboration.

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  ![The image is a summary slide with a gradient blue background on the left, listing two points: "Comprehensive DevOps solution" and "Integration with Azure services."](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752868097/notes-assets/images/AZ-400-Designing-and-Implementing-Microsoft-DevOps-Solutions-What-is-Azure-DevOps/devops-solution-azure-integration-summary.jpg)
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## Links and References

* [Azure DevOps Documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/devops/)
* [Getting started with Azure Pipelines](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/devops/pipelines/get-started-yaml)
* [AZ-400 Exam Details](https://learn.microsoft.com/learn/certifications/exams/az-400/)

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  <Card title="Watch Video" icon="video" cta="Learn more" href="https://learn.kodekloud.com/user/courses/az-400/module/9eab326b-2560-4fcc-a30a-52c97d042247/lesson/6def918a-d819-4f6a-b5c3-60916cf88b5d" />
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