25 Azure DevOps Interview Questions and Answers

Azure DevOps is a comprehensive suite of development tools and services provided by Microsoft, designed to support the entire software development lifecycle. It integrates with a variety of development environments and offers capabilities for version control, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), project management, and more. Its flexibility and scalability make it a popular choice for organizations looking to streamline their development processes and improve collaboration among teams.

This article aims to prepare you for interviews by presenting a curated selection of Azure DevOps questions and answers. By familiarizing yourself with these topics, you will gain a deeper understanding of the platform’s features and best practices, enhancing your ability to discuss and demonstrate your expertise during technical interviews.

Azure DevOps Interview Questions and Answers

1. Describe the purpose of Azure DevOps and its core components.

Azure DevOps is a cloud-based service offering a comprehensive DevOps toolchain for software development and deployment. Its core components include:

• Azure Repos: Provides Git repositories or Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC) for source control.
• Azure Pipelines: A CI/CD service for building, testing, and deploying code.
• Azure Boards: Agile tools for planning and tracking work using Kanban and Scrum methods.
• Azure Test Plans: Tools for manual/exploratory and continuous testing.
• Azure Artifacts: Create, host, and share packages, and add artifacts to CI/CD pipelines.

2. What are Pipelines in Azure DevOps, and why are they important?

Pipelines in Azure DevOps automate the processes of building, testing, and deploying code, supporting CI/CD practices. They are defined using YAML files, which describe the build and release process in a version-controlled manner.

Key components include:

• Build Pipelines: Compile code, run tests, and produce build artifacts.
• Release Pipelines: Deploy build artifacts to environments like staging and production.
• Tasks: Steps within a pipeline performing specific actions.
• Triggers: Conditions determining when a pipeline should run.

3. How do you define a build pipeline using YAML in Azure DevOps?

A build pipeline in Azure DevOps automates building, testing, and deploying code. Using YAML for pipeline definition allows for versioning and easy modification. YAML files are human-readable and can be stored in the same repository as the code.

Example YAML for a build pipeline:

trigger:
- main

pool:
  vmImage: 'ubuntu-latest'

steps:
- task: UseNode@2
  inputs:
    versionSpec: '14.x'
  displayName: 'Install Node.js'

- script: |
    npm install
    npm run build
  displayName: 'Install dependencies and build'

- task: PublishBuildArtifacts@1
  inputs:
    PathtoPublish: '$(Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory)'
    ArtifactName: 'drop'
  displayName: 'Publish build artifacts'

This example triggers on changes to the main branch, uses an Ubuntu VM, installs Node.js, runs npm commands, and publishes build artifacts.

4. Describe the process of setting up a release pipeline.

Setting up a release pipeline involves:

1. Create a New Release Pipeline: Navigate to Pipelines and select “New pipeline.”
2. Define Stages: Represent different deployment phases, like development and production.
3. Add Tasks to Each Stage: Steps like deploying to a server or running tests.
4. Configure Approvals and Gates: Ensure deployments meet criteria before proceeding.
5. Set Up Artifacts: Link build outputs to the release pipeline.
6. Configure Variables and Secrets: Manage configuration settings securely.
7. Trigger the Pipeline: Automatically start based on events like new builds.

5. How can you use variables in Azure Pipelines?

Variables in Azure Pipelines store values for reuse across stages, jobs, and steps, making pipelines more dynamic and maintainable. They can be defined at various levels: pipeline, stage, job, or step.

Example of defining and using variables:

trigger:
- main

variables:
  buildConfiguration: 'Release'
  buildPlatform: 'Any CPU'

stages:
- stage: Build
  jobs:
  - job: BuildJob
    pool:
      vmImage: 'ubuntu-latest'
    steps:
    - script: echo $(buildConfiguration)
      displayName: 'Display Build Configuration'
    - script: echo $(buildPlatform)
      displayName: 'Display Build Platform'

Here, buildConfiguration and buildPlatform are defined at the pipeline level and referenced in steps.

6. What is the role of agents in Azure Pipelines?

Agents in Azure Pipelines execute tasks in the pipeline. They can be Microsoft-hosted, pre-configured with common tools, or self-hosted, managed by you for more control.

Agents pull jobs from the server, execute them, and report status back, including logs and artifacts.

7. How do you implement a multi-stage pipeline in Azure DevOps?

A multi-stage pipeline defines stages representing different CI/CD process parts, like build, test, and deploy. Each stage can contain jobs and steps, organizing complex workflows.

Example of a multi-stage pipeline:

trigger:
- main

stages:
- stage: Build
  jobs:
  - job: BuildJob
    pool:
      vmImage: 'ubuntu-latest'
    steps:
    - task: UseDotNet@2
      inputs:
        packageType: 'sdk'
        version: '5.x'
    - script: dotnet build
      displayName: 'Build project'

- stage: Test
  dependsOn: Build
  jobs:
  - job: TestJob
    pool:
      vmImage: 'ubuntu-latest'
    steps:
    - script: dotnet test
      displayName: 'Run tests'

- stage: Deploy
  dependsOn: Test
  jobs:
  - job: DeployJob
    pool:
      vmImage: 'ubuntu-latest'
    steps:
    - script: echo 'Deploying to production...'
      displayName: 'Deploy'

This pipeline has stages for Build, Test, and Deploy, with dependencies ensuring order.

8. Explain how to integrate Azure Repos with GitHub.

Integrating Azure Repos with GitHub enables seamless workflow between platforms, enhancing collaboration and CI/CD processes.

Steps to integrate:

• Create a Service Connection: In Azure DevOps, create a service connection for GitHub.
• Authorize Access: Authorize Azure DevOps to access your GitHub account.
• Link Repositories: Link your GitHub repository to your Azure DevOps project.
• Configure Pipelines: Set up Azure Pipelines to build, test, and deploy code from GitHub.

9. How do you configure branch policies in Azure Repos?

Branch policies in Azure Repos enforce quality and governance standards on code changes before merging into a branch.

To configure branch policies:

1. Navigate to your Azure DevOps project and select Repos.
2. Select the branch to configure policies for.
3. Click on Branch policies.

Common policies include:

• Require a minimum number of reviewers: Ensure a pull request is reviewed by a specified number of team members.
• Check for linked work items: Require a pull request to be linked to work items.
• Enforce merge strategy: Enforce a specific merge strategy.
• Build validation: Require a pull request to pass a build pipeline.
• Code coverage: Ensure code coverage meets a specified threshold.

10. Describe how to set up and use service connections in Azure Pipelines.

Service connections in Azure Pipelines securely connect to external and internal services, enabling authentication and interaction during CI/CD workflows.

To set up a service connection:

• Navigate to Project Settings and select Service connections.
• Click on New service connection and choose the service type.
• Authenticate and configure connection details.
• Save the service connection for use in pipelines.

Example of using a service connection in a pipeline:

pool:
  vmImage: 'ubuntu-latest'

steps:
- task: AzureCLI@2
  inputs:
    azureSubscription: '<your-service-connection-name>'
    scriptType: 'bash'
    scriptLocation: 'inlineScript'
    inlineScript: 'az account show'

11. How do you implement infrastructure as code (IaC) using Azure DevOps?

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) involves managing infrastructure through definition files. Azure DevOps supports IaC with tools like ARM templates or Terraform scripts for CI/CD of infrastructure.

Example using ARM templates:

• Create an ARM template (e.g., azuredeploy.json).
• Store the template in a version control system.
• Create an Azure DevOps pipeline referencing the template for deployment.

trigger:
- main

pool:
  vmImage: 'ubuntu-latest'

steps:
- task: AzureResourceManagerTemplateDeployment@3
  inputs:
    deploymentScope: 'Resource Group'
    azureResourceManagerConnection: 'AzureServiceConnection'
    subscriptionId: 'your-subscription-id'
    action: 'Create Or Update Resource Group'
    resourceGroupName: 'your-resource-group'
    location: 'your-location'
    templateLocation: 'Linked artifact'
    csmFile: '$(System.DefaultWorkingDirectory)/path-to-your-template/azuredeploy.json'
    csmParametersFile: '$(System.DefaultWorkingDirectory)/path-to-your-template/azuredeploy.parameters.json'

This pipeline uses the AzureResourceManagerTemplateDeployment task to deploy the ARM template.

12. Explain the concept of artifacts in Azure Pipelines and their usage.

Artifacts in Azure Pipelines store and share data between pipeline stages. They are the output of a build process, such as compiled code or configuration files, used by subsequent stages.

Artifacts are created during the build process and can be published to a central location for access by other stages. This separation allows each stage to focus on specific tasks without concern for data production details.

Artifacts can be managed using the Azure Pipelines interface or YAML syntax in pipeline configuration.

13. How do you monitor and troubleshoot pipeline failures in Azure DevOps?

Monitoring and troubleshooting pipeline failures in Azure DevOps involves:

• Pipeline Logs: Access detailed logs for each pipeline run to identify failure points and error messages.
• Alerts and Notifications: Set up alerts to be informed of pipeline failures via email, SMS, or integrations like Slack.
• Diagnostic Tools: Use built-in tools like “Test Plans” for automated tests and “Release Gates” for pre-deployment conditions.
• Retry and Rerun: Use “Retry” or “Rerun” options for transient issues.
• Version Control Integration: Track changes to codebase and configuration files to identify recent changes causing failures.
• Custom Scripts and Extensions: Enhance monitoring with custom scripts and extensions for additional checks.

14. Describe the process of setting up a self-hosted agent in Azure Pipelines.

Setting up a self-hosted agent in Azure Pipelines involves:

1. Create a Personal Access Token (PAT): Authenticate the agent with Azure DevOps.
2. Download the Agent Package: Get the appropriate package for your OS.
3. Configure the Agent: Run the configuration script with server URL, PAT, and other details.
4. Install and Run the Agent as a Service (Optional): For continuous availability, install as a service.
5. Verify the Agent Status: Ensure the agent is ready to accept jobs.

15. How do you implement a gated check-in policy in Azure Repos?

A gated check-in policy in Azure Repos ensures code changes pass quality checks before committing to the main branch.

To implement a gated check-in policy:

• Navigate to the repository and select the branch to protect.
• Go to “Branch policies.”
• Under “Build validation,” add a new build policy.
• Configure the policy to run necessary build and test pipelines.
• Save the policy settings.

Code changes trigger specified pipelines, committing only if they succeed.

16. Explain how to use Azure Artifacts for package management.

Azure Artifacts provides a central place to create, host, and share packages, supporting multiple package types like NuGet, npm, Maven, and Python.

To use Azure Artifacts:

• Create a Feed: A container for packages, created in the Azure DevOps portal.
• Publish Packages: Use command line or CI/CD pipelines to publish packages to the feed.
• Consume Packages: Configure projects to use the feed as a source.
• Versioning and Retention Policies: Manage package versions and set retention policies.
• Access Control: Set permissions at the feed level for authorized access.

17. How do you configure and use environment variables in Azure Pipelines?

Environment variables in Azure Pipelines store configuration settings and data for use across stages. They help manage sensitive information and make pipelines flexible.

Define variables at various levels or use variable groups to manage sets of variables.

Example:

trigger:
- main

variables:
  MY_VARIABLE: 'Hello, World!'

stages:
- stage: Build
  jobs:
  - job: BuildJob
    steps:
    - script: echo $(MY_VARIABLE)
      displayName: 'Print MY_VARIABLE'

MY_VARIABLE is defined at the pipeline level and used in a script step.

18. Describe the process of integrating Azure DevOps with Jenkins.

Integrating Azure DevOps with Jenkins combines the strengths of both platforms. Azure DevOps manages the software development lifecycle, while Jenkins is an automation server for CI/CD.

Steps to integrate:

• Install Jenkins Plugin for Azure DevOps: Install the plugin in Jenkins.
• Generate Personal Access Token (PAT): Create a PAT in Azure DevOps for Jenkins authentication.
• Configure Jenkins Credentials: Add the PAT to Jenkins as a credential.
• Create Jenkins Job: Set up a Jenkins job triggered by Azure DevOps.
• Configure Service Hook in Azure DevOps: Set up a service hook to trigger the Jenkins job.
• Test the Integration: Ensure the Jenkins job triggers correctly and executes as expected.

19. How do you implement a blue-green deployment strategy?

A blue-green deployment strategy reduces downtime and risk by running two identical production environments, “blue” and “green.” One serves live traffic, while the other stages the new version.

To implement:

• Set up two identical environments.
• Use Azure Pipelines to automate deployment to the idle environment.
• Test the new version in the idle environment.
• Switch traffic to the idle environment using Azure Traffic Manager.
• Monitor the new environment and switch back if issues arise.

20. How do you manage secrets and sensitive information in Azure Pipelines?

In Azure Pipelines, managing secrets and sensitive information is important for security. Azure DevOps offers methods like Azure Key Vault, pipeline variables, and variable groups.

Example of using Azure Key Vault:

variables:
  - group: my-variable-group

steps:
- task: AzureKeyVault@1
  inputs:
    azureSubscription: 'my-service-connection'
    KeyVaultName: 'my-key-vault'
    SecretsFilter: '*'
    RunAsPreJob: true

21. Explain how to use conditional insertion in YAML pipelines.

Conditional insertion in Azure DevOps YAML pipelines controls execution based on conditions. Use the condition keyword to specify criteria.

Example:

stages:
<ul>
<li>stage: Build
  jobs:
  <ul>
  <li>job: BuildJob
    steps:
    <ul>
    <li>script: echo Building...
      displayName: 'Run Build'
    </ul>
  </ul>

<li>stage: Deploy
  condition: and(succeeded(), eq(variables['Build.SourceBranch'], 'refs/heads/main'))
  jobs:
  <ul>
  <li>job: DeployJob
    steps:
    <ul>
    <li>script: echo Deploying...
      displayName: 'Run Deployment'
    </ul>
  </ul>
</ul>

The Deploy stage runs if the Build stage succeeds and the source branch is main.

22. How do you implement canary releases?

Canary releases reduce deployment risk by gradually rolling out changes to a subset of users. Use Azure Pipelines, AKS, and Azure Traffic Manager for implementation.

Steps:

• Create Multiple Deployment Environments: Set up separate environments for canary and production releases.
• Configure Azure Pipelines: Automate build and deployment with separate stages for canary and production.
• Deploy to Canary Environment: Deploy the new version to the canary environment first.
• Monitor and Validate: Monitor performance and behavior in the canary environment.
• Gradual Traffic Shift: Use Azure Traffic Manager to shift traffic to the canary environment.
• Full Rollout or Rollback: Increase traffic to the canary environment or rollback if issues arise.

23. Describe the process of integrating Azure DevOps with other Azure services.

Integrating Azure DevOps with other Azure services streamlines processes, improves collaboration, and automates workflows. Common integrations include Azure Repos, Azure Boards, Azure Key Vault, and Azure Monitor.

Azure Repos and Azure Pipelines automate build and release processes. Azure Boards links work items with pipelines. Azure Key Vault manages secrets securely. Azure Monitor provides insights into application performance.

24. What are some best practices for using Azure DevOps effectively?

Best practices for using Azure DevOps effectively:

• Organize Projects and Repositories: Structure projects and repositories logically.
• Implement CI/CD Pipelines: Automate build, test, and deployment processes.
• Use Branch Policies: Enforce code quality with pull requests and reviews.
• Monitor and Log: Track application performance with Azure Monitor and Application Insights.
• Security Best Practices: Use secure credentials and manage secrets with Azure Key Vault.
• Collaborate Effectively: Use Azure Boards for work item management and collaboration.
• Automate Infrastructure: Use IaC tools like ARM templates or Terraform.

25. How do you ensure governance and compliance within Azure DevOps projects?

Ensuring governance and compliance in Azure DevOps projects involves policies, permissions, auditing, and compliance features.

Azure DevOps provides built-in policies for repositories and pipelines. Role-based access control (RBAC) manages permissions. Auditing tracks changes and access. Integration with Azure Policy and Azure Blueprints enforces organizational policies and compliance requirements.