Top 60+ Azure DevOps Interview Questions and Answers

Azure DevOps is one of the popular tool sets that can help you manage the software development lifecycle very efficiently. This offers a solution for team collaboration, version control and continuous integration of software techniques. This set of tools has gained attention from developers and companies aiming for smooth workflows and better project outcomes.

Understanding Azure DevOps can be an advantage for those preparing for job interviews. It shows knowledge of modern development practices and tools. Mastering it can set you apart in competitive job markets.

In this blog, we will cover over 60 Azure DevOps interview questions ranging from beginner to advanced levels, along with useful tips for acing your next interview.

Also Read: What is DevOps?

What is Azure DevOps?

Azure DevOps is a complete set of tools and services from Microsoft designed to help the whole software development lifecycle. It offers features like project management, source code control, continuous integration, and continuous deployment, helping teams work more effectively and deliver quality software faster.

This connects services like Azure Boards for project monitoring, Azure Repos for version control, and Azure Pipelines for build and release management. This setup simplifies collaboration and improves the workflow of developers and project teams.

Using Azure DevOps, teams can perform repetitive tasks, which will automatically reduce manual errors and ensure a smoother publishing process. Its integration with popular tools makes it adaptable to different development needs.

1.   What is the lifecycle of Azure DevOps?

The lifecycle of Azure DevOps involves several stages to ensure effective software delivery.

These stages include:

• Planning: Setting goals, tasks, and timelines for projects.
• Development: Writing and managing code using Azure Repos.
• Building and Testing: Automating builds and running tests through Azure Pipelines.
• Release and deployment: Deploying code using a release pipeline for continuous delivery.
• Monitoring and Feedback: Monitor performance and collect user feedback to make improvements.

2.   What are the parts of Azure DevOps?

Azure DevOps has many tools to help manage this. of the software development cycle:

• Azure Boards: For project tracking and work management.
• Azure Repos: This is for version control with Git and TFVC.
• Azure Pipelines: For CI/CD automation.
• Azure Test Plans: For automated and manual testing.
• Azure Artefacts: For package management and sharing.

3.   What is the difference between Azure Boards and Jira?

4.   Describe Azure Boards.

Azure Boards is a tool for managing work items, backlogs, and project development. It helps your team to monitor capabilities and responsibilities and fix bugs in a project. It offers customizable dashboards, Kanban boards, and sprint-planning tools, making it ideal for agile project management.

5.   Mention some advantages of Azure DevOps.

Azure DevOps provides several advantages for teams:

• Continuous Integration and Deployment: Automates building, testing, and deploying code.
• Centralised Platform: Combines project management, code repositories, and deployment tools.
• Scalability: Fits small and large teams, enabling seamless scaling.
• Integration: Works well with third-party tools and provides services like GitHub and Jenkins.

6.   What is the difference between Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions?

Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions are each CI/CD equipment; however have key differences:

7.   What are the various phases involved in DevOps?

The DevOps process typically involves these phases:

• Planning: Setting project requirements and tasks.
• Development: Writing code and collaboration.
• Continuous Integration: Merging and building code frequently.
• Continuous Testing: Running automated tests.
• Deployment: Releasing code into production.
• Monitoring: Observing the system and gathering user feedback.
• Feedback: Using insights for improvements.

Also Read: DevOps Lifecycle

8.   Name some famous tools of DevOps.

DevOps involves a variety of tools that help manage different stages:

• Version Control: Git, Subversion.
• CI/CD: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure Pipelines.
• Configuration Management: Ansible, Puppet, Chef.
• Monitoring: Prometheus, Nagios, Grafana.
• Testing: Selenium, JUnit, TestNG.

9.   How do variable groups differ from pipeline variables in Azure DevOps?

10.         How does Selenium contribute to DevOps?

Selenium plays an important role in automating browser tests. It helps verify that new changes don’t break existing functionality. By integrating Selenium with CI/CD pipelines, you and your team can make sure the quality is maintained at every level of development. This accelerates release cycles and improves software reliability.

11.         Define continuous monitoring.

Continuous tracking is the system of staring at applications in real-time to pick out problems and overall performance indicators. This involves monitoring the health, overall performance, and safety of the device and the use of tracking equipment. Insights from continuous monitoring assist your team in proactively restoring troubles before they impact customers.

12.         What are the best practices for Azure DevOps?

To maximise the benefits of Azure DevOps, take into account the following best practices:

• Automated CI/CD Pipelines: Ensure smooth integration and deployment.
• Use Branch Policies: Enforce code review and build checks before merging.
• Implement Testing: Integrate unit, integration, and UI tests in the pipeline.
• Monitor and Analyse Metrics: Use dashboards to track progress and performance.
• Secure Credentials: Use tools like Azure Key Vault to manage secrets.

13.         How do Azure Pipelines differ from Jenkins?

14.         What is Azure Key Vault, and how is it used in DevOps?

In DevOps, it is used to save highly sensitive data like API keys, database passwords, and certificated codes. Pipelines and programs can access those securely without hardcoding them into scripts or code.

15.         How do you integrate Azure DevOps with GitHub?

Integrating Azure DevOps with GitHub allows seamless code management and CI/CD pipelines. This can be done by:

• Linking Repositories: Connect your GitHub repo with Azure Pipelines for build and release automation.
• OAuth Authentication: Use OAuth to provide Azure DevOps access to your GitHub account securely.
• Webhooks: Set up webhooks to trigger builds and deployments on code changes.

16.         How do you implement automated testing in Azure Pipelines?

Automated testing in Azure Pipelines helps in making sure that certain code is of the finest quality at each level. Here’s how to implement it:

• Add Test Tasks: Include tasks like Visual Studio Test or Command Line in your pipeline to run tests.
• Set Up Test Frameworks: Use popular frameworks like NUnit, MSTest, or Selenium.
• Configure Reports: Publish test results and track them using Azure DevOps test reports.

17.         What are the differences between build and release pipelines in Azure DevOps?

18.         What are Azure DevOps extensions?

Azure DevOps extensions are add-ons that provide additional features and capabilities. They allow teams to:

• Enhance Functionality: Add new tasks, widgets, or dashboards.
• Marketplace Availability: Access extensions from the Visual Studio Marketplace.
• Custom Solutions: Build custom extensions tailored to specific needs.

19.         How do you integrate Azure DevOps with other tools?

Azure DevOps can be integrated with various tools to expand functionality:

• Use Service Connections: Connect with tools like Jenkins, Slack, or Docker Hub.
• APIs and Webhooks: Use REST APIs and webhooks for custom integrations.
• Extensions and Plugins: Install relevant extensions from the Marketplace for smooth integration.

20.         What are Azure Test Plans?

Azure Test Plans is a service that helps manage and execute tests in an organised way. It supports:

• Manual and Automated Testing: Create and run manual tests or trigger automated tests.
• Test Suites and Cases: Structure tests for effective tracking.
• Reports and Insights: View detailed reports on test execution and quality.

21.         What are the differences between YAML and classic pipelines in Azure DevOps?

Intermediate Level Azure DevOps Interview Questions

22.         Can Scale sets of Azure work with its Availability sets?

Scale sets in Azure cannot directly combine with availability sets. They are separate services designed for different purposes:

• Scale Sets: Automatically scale up or down multiple VMs to handle load.
• Availability Sets: Ensure high availability by distributing VMs across fault and update domains. They operate independently but work together to provide a robust solution when needed.

23.         Compare DevOps and Agile methodologies.

DevOps and Agile are complementary but have distinct features:

24.         What do you know about the test plans of Azure?

Azure Test Plans is a tool for managing and running tests. It supports:

• Manual and Automated Testing: Run tests manually or automate them as part of your pipeline.
• Structured Testing: Organise tests into suites and track progress.
• Insights and Reporting: Generate reports to understand test results and improve software quality.

25.         What does the term ‘Forking Workflow’ refer to?

Forking workflow is a strategy used in version control, especially in Git. It involves:

• Creating Forks: A user makes a copy of a repository to work on independently.
• Pull Requests: Once changes are complete, they submit a pull request to merge updates. This workflow allows contributors to work on separate projects without affecting the main repository.

26.         What kind of services are provided by Azure DevOps?

Azure DevOps provides a comprehensive set of services for software development:

• Azure Boards: Manage work items and project tracking.
• Azure Repos: Source control using Git and TFVC.
• Azure Pipelines: Automate build and release processes.
• Azure Test Plans: Create and manage test plans.
• Azure Artefacts: Share and manage packages like NuGet, npm, and Maven.

27.         What is the difference between Azure DevOps and AWS DevOps tools?

28.         Name different types of DevOps solution architecture.

DevOps solution architecture can vary, including:

• Microservices Architecture: Breaks applications into smaller, independent services.
• Monolithic Architecture: A single, unified codebase that is less modular but simpler to start.
• Serverless Architecture: Code runs in response to events, scaling automatically.
• Containerized Architecture: Uses tools like Docker to package applications for consistency across environments.

29.         Describe availability sets.

Availability sets are a feature in Azure that ensures high availability for VMs:

• Fault Domains: Group VMs across different physical hardware to avoid simultaneous failures.
• Update Domains: Ensure that VMs in the set do not reboot simultaneously during updates. This helps maintain uptime and reliability for applications.

30.         What are the reasons to use CI/CD and Azure Pipelines?

CI/CD and Azure Pipelines offer many benefits:

• Automation: Streamlines building, testing, and deploying code.
• Consistency: Reduces human error by automating repetitive tasks.
• Faster Releases: Enables quicker updates and bug fixes, improving time to market.
• Quality Assurance: Integrates testing to detect issues early.

31.         What is the difference between self-hosted and Microsoft-hosted agents in Azure DevOps?

32.         How do you check whether your pipeline was successful or not after execution?

Pipeline status can be checked by:

• Pipeline Dashboard: View the status directly from the Azure Pipelines interface.
• Email Notifications: Set up alerts for success or failure.
• Logs and Reports: Review detailed build and test logs to identify any issues. These methods help teams monitor and ensure pipeline execution is error-free.

33.         List some benefits of Azure pipelines.

Azure Pipelines offers several benefits, such as:

• Multi-Platform Support: Works with different languages and platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Integration: Connects with GitHub, Bitbucket, and other version control systems.
• Scalability: Supports parallel jobs to speed up builds and tests.
• Cloud and On-Premises: Offers hosted agents or self-hosted options for flexibility.
• Continuous Deployment: Automates deployment across various environments.

34.         How do build triggers differ from scheduled builds in Azure Pipelines?

35.         What are the different types of backlogs and board options available in Azure Boards?

Azure Boards supports multiple types of backlogs and board views for better project tracking:

• Backlogs:
  • Product Backlog: Lists all work items, including features and tasks.
  • Sprint Backlog: Shows tasks planned for a specific sprint.
• Board Options:
  • Kanban Board: Visualise work items and their statuses.
  • Task Board: Used for sprint planning and tracking individual tasks. These options make project tracking and task management more effective.

Also Read: Guide to Building a Successful DevOps Career

36.         What are pull requests in Azure DevOps Repos?

Pull requests in Azure DevOps Repos are a way to review and merge code changes.

Developers create pull requests to notify team members that changes are ready for review. This process helps in:

• Code Review: Ensures that code meets quality standards before merging.
• Collaboration: Allows feedback and discussions around the changes.
• Merging: Integrates changes into the main branch after approval.

37.         What is the difference between a Deployment Group and an Agent Pool?

38.         What is a YAML pipeline?

A YAML pipeline is a code-based configuration for defining CI/CD processes in Azure Pipelines. It allows developers to:

• Version Control: Keep pipeline definitions in the same repository as code.
• Customization: Easily modify and extend the pipeline by editing the YAML file.
• Flexibility: Supports multi-stage workflows with various build and deployment tasks.

39.         What is Blue-Green Deployment in Azure DevOps?

Blue-Green Deployment is a strategy for minimising downtime and risk during releases. It involves:

• Two Identical Environments: “Blue” runs the current version, while “Green” runs the new version.
• Switching Traffic: Once verified, traffic is switched from Blue to Green.
• Rollback Plan: If issues occur, traffic can revert back to the Blue environment quickly.

40.         Explain the function of Scrum Master in Azure Boards.

A Scrum Master in Azure Boards plays a role in facilitating agile practices. Their functions include:

• Coordinating Sprints: Ensuring smooth sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.
• Removing Blockers: Helping the team overcome challenges to maintain progress.
• Tracking Progress: Using Azure Boards tools to monitor task status and sprint goals.

41.         How do multi-stage pipelines differ from single-stage pipelines in Azure DevOps?

Advanced Level Azure DevOps Interview Questions

42.         Briefly explain break-fix issues.

Break-fix issues refer to problems that arise unexpectedly and require immediate attention to fix. They are reactive in nature, involving solutions to restore normal functioning after a system or application failure.

43.         Differentiate Subscription Administrator and Directory Administrator.

44.         What is VNet?

VNet, or Virtual Network, is a service provider in Azure that allows users to create private networks. This enables secure verbal exchange between Azure resources and internal networks. VNets provide control over IP addresses, subnets, routing, and networking. and security

45.         Differentiate between Azure DevOps services and Azure DevOps Server.

46.         Explain Azure service fabric.

Azure Service Fabric is a provisioned systems platform that makes it easier to build and manage scalable packages. Supports microservice architecture It allows for unbiased deployment and control of microservices. It also ensures high availability and fault tolerance of cloud applications.

47.         Why do we use the Azure Active Directory?

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is used for identity and access management. It provides static access and permissions to resources such as applications and offerings. Azure AD supports single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and permissions.

48.         What is the difference between a pipeline agent and a pipeline job in Azure Pipelines?

49.         What do you know about DevOps Toolchain?

The DevOps Toolchain is a set of tools that simplify the process of the software development process. This contains tools for version control, such as automated creation, testing, deployment, and monitoring. Popular components include Git (version control), Jenkins (CI/CD), and Prometheus (monitoring).

50.         What is a release pipeline in Azure Pipelines?

Release pipelines in Azure Pipelines automate the deployment of applications across different environments. It ensures that code is tested and released through phases such as development, testing, and production. This helps maintain consistency and reduce manual errors during deployment.

51.         What is the difference between code coverage and test coverage in DevOps?

52.         What do you mean by Azure Pipeline agent?

An Azure Pipeline agent is a software tool that runs jobs and executes tasks in a pipeline. Agents can be Microsoft-hosted (managed by Azure) or self-hosted (managed by users), and they work by pulling tasks from Azure Pipelines and executing them on the server or VM where they are installed.

53.         How do you handle monitoring and logging in Azure DevOps?

Monitoring and logging in Azure DevOps can be managed using:

• Azure Monitor: Tracks application performance and collects metrics and logs.
• Application Insights: Provides detailed telemetry for applications.
• Dashboards and Alerts: Helps teams stay informed and act on critical issues promptly.

54.         How do static code analysis and dynamic code analysis differ in Azure DevOps?

55.         What is the Dogpile effect, and how can it be prevented?

The Dogpile effect refers to a situation where multiple requests hit a server when cached content expires, causing a sudden spike in load. It can be prevented using strategies like cache locking or staggered cache expiration, ensuring that only one process refreshes the cache at a time.

56.          What are fault domains?

Fault domains are a logical grouping of hardware within an Azure data centre to avoid simultaneous failures. VMs placed in different fault domains are located on separate physical servers, network switches, and power sources. This ensures that if one fault domain fails, the other continues running, improving availability.

57.         What is the difference between automated and manual test plans in Azure DevOps?

58.         What are some of the useful plugins in Jenkins?

Jenkins has a variety of plugins to enhance its functionality:

• Git Plugin: Integrates Git repositories for version control.
• Pipeline Plugin: Enables the creation of complex CI/CD pipelines.
• SonarQube Plugin: Helps with code quality and security analysis.
• Email Extension Plugin: Sends customised build notifications.
• Docker Plugin: Supports building and deploying Docker containers directly.

59.         Can we move or copy Jenkins from one server to another?

Yes, Jenkins can be moved or copied to another server. This can be done by:

• Backing Up Jenkins Home Directory: Copy the entire Jenkins home directory, which includes job configurations, plugins, and user data.
• Restoring on the New Server: Paste the backup into the new server’s Jenkins home directory and start Jenkins.
• Configuration Adjustments: Ensure that paths and environment variables are updated for the new server.

60.         How do test suites differ from test cases in Azure Test Plans?

Tips to Crack Your Next Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Job Interview

Here are some effective tips to help you crack your Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer job interview:

• Understand Core Concepts: Make sure you have a solid understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, version control systems, and infrastructure as code.
• Know Azure DevOps Tools: Be familiar with all parts of Azure DevOps, including Azure Boards, Repos, Pipelines, Artefacts, and Test Plans. Knowing how to use these tools practically can set you apart.
• Hands-on Experience: Showcase real-world projects or experience working with Azure DevOps tools. Being able to talk about challenges and how you solved them adds value.
• Master Scripting Languages: Have proficiency in scripting languages like PowerShell, Bash, or Python. This skill is essential for automating tasks and building custom scripts.
• Focus on CI/CD Practices: Be able to explain and set up build and release pipelines. Understanding YAML-based pipelines and their structure will help.
• Brush Up on Cloud Concepts: Know basic cloud concepts like virtual networks (VNet), load balancers, fault domains, and Azure Active Directory.
• Security Best Practices: Understand security measures like using Azure Key Vault, managing secrets, and securing pipelines with access controls.
• Stay Updated: Be aware of the latest updates and features in Azure DevOps. Mentioning new functionalities can show your dedication to staying current.
• Soft Skills: Emphasise your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and communication abilities. Employers look for candidates who can work collaboratively and adapt to changes.
• Practice Problem-Solving: Be prepared for scenario-based questions that test your analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Also Read: Top DevOps Interview Questions and Answers

Conclusion

Preparing for an Azure DevOps interview requires a combination of technical knowledge and practical experience. By understanding the fundamental concepts, practising with actual projects and retaining up-to-date with cutting-edge equipment and fine practices, you could face hard questions with self-assurance. Be sure to emphasise your problem-solving skills and demonstrate expertise in first-class practices.

Be sure to cover important topics like CI/CD, and pipeline infrastructure, along with security measures. A strong grasp of Azure DevOps, along with effective communication and teamwork skills, will help you stand out. Through proper preparation and practice, you’ll be prepared to perform your best in interviews and land the role you’re aiming for. To help you with this, Hero Vired has brought you the Certificate Program in DevOps & Cloud Engineering With Microsoft, which will provide you with the best information you’ll need to crack your interview.