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Courtney Kissler

This course gives you the basic foundational principles of DevOps with a particular focus on culture and the DevOps mindset. We’ll learn about how DevOps is grounded in lean principles, and how it can help improve collaboration between developers and operations team members. We'll learn about ideas regarding systems thinking, feedback loops, continuous improvement, loosely coupled architecture and teams, managing risk, and dealing with unplanned work. We’ll learn about strategies to manage work, monitor it, keep it organized, and maintain a high level of quality by following key DevOps principles. We’ll also discuss various organizational models and structures that are used by companies in their DevOps transformations. You’ll learn about value stream mapping, and ensuring continuous workflow. Ultimately, we'll learn key ideas and tactics that you can employ at your own organizations to improve both time-to-market and increase the value delivered for your customers, no matter your product line or industry.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introducing DevOps Concepts
In this module, you'll be able to define DevOps and discuss major DevOps principles. You'll be able to explain improvement Kata, the A3 problem solving method, and the Westrum Typology for Improving Organizational Culture. You'll be able to apply DevOps principles or tactics to improve organizational culture and shift to a focus on outcomes rather than outputs.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores DevOps concepts, principles, and methodologies
Taught by Courtney Kissler, who's recognized for their work in DevOps
Suitable for learners interested in improving software development and delivery
Examines DevOps culture, mindset, and practices, which are essential for software development

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Reviews summary

Devops culture and mindset fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the foundational principles of DevOps culture and mindset. Many found the explanations of core concepts like systems thinking, feedback loops, and continuous improvement to be clear and easy to understand, making it ideal for beginners or those in management roles needing a high-level overview. While reviewers appreciate the focus on the cultural shift required for successful DevOps, some note that the course is largely theoretical and lacks detailed practical examples or tool-specific guidance. More experienced individuals may find the content basic. Overall, it is a strong foundation for understanding the cultural *why* behind DevOps rather than the technical *how*, though some assignments could be more hands-on.
Excellent for newcomers seeking foundational knowledge
"Great starting point if you are completely new to DevOps concepts and principles."
"Gave me a solid overview of the fundamental ideas without getting bogged down in tech."
"Perfect for understanding the basics before diving deeper into specific practices or tools."
Strong emphasis on culture and mindset principles
"This course really helped me understand the cultural aspects of DevOps and why it's more than just tools."
"I appreciated that it focused on mindset and people, which is crucial for transformation."
"Provides a great foundation for shifting team culture towards DevOps practices."
Assignments could be more practical or engaging
"The assignments felt a bit disconnected from the core principles at times."
"Could use more hands-on exercises to reinforce the theoretical concepts."
"Labs didn't fully reinforce the concepts; felt more like busy work."
Experienced practitioners may find the content too basic
"Already knew most of this content from having worked in a DevOps environment."
"Too basic for someone already practicing DevOps, better suited for beginners."
"If you have experience, this might just be a review of concepts you already know."
Course is concept-heavy with limited practical application
"Wish there were more practical examples and less abstract theory."
"It's high-level; don't expect to learn specific tools or detailed implementations."
"Good for concepts, but not for hands-on skills or real-world scenarios."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in DevOps Culture and Mindset with these activities:
Organize course materials and notes
Organizing course materials and notes improves retention, enhances understanding, and streamlines review for assessments.
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  • Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials
  • Regularly review and summarize lecture notes
  • Organize materials by topic or module
  • Highlight key concepts and make annotations
Review DevOps concepts
Review core concepts and principles of DevOps to strengthen foundational understanding and enhance course engagement.
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  • Revisit online course materials or textbooks covering DevOps concepts
  • Attend an introductory webinar or workshop on DevOps
  • Read articles or blog posts summarizing key DevOps principles
Read 'The DevOps Handbook'
This book provides a comprehensive overview of DevOps principles and best practices, enhancing understanding and broadening perspectives on the subject matter.
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  • Read each chapter thoroughly
  • Take notes and highlight important passages
  • Reflect on the concepts and consider their applicability to your own work
Three other activities
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Practice applying DevOps tools and techniques
Hands-on practice with DevOps tools and techniques reinforces understanding and develops proficiency.
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  • Set up a local DevOps environment
  • Create and manage a code repository using Git or another version control system
  • Build and test a simple application using a CI/CD pipeline
  • Troubleshoot common DevOps issues
Contribute to an open-source DevOps project
Contributing to an open-source DevOps project provides practical experience, fosters collaboration, and enhances understanding of DevOps tools and best practices.
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  • Identify an open-source DevOps project that aligns with your interests
  • Review the project's documentation and contribute code or documentation improvements
  • Participate in project discussions and offer suggestions for enhancements
Develop a DevOps implementation plan
Creating a practical implementation plan applies course knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing understanding and readiness for practical application.
Show steps
  • Identify the current state of DevOps adoption within your organization
  • Develop a roadmap for DevOps implementation based on best practices and industry trends
  • Design a value stream map to visualize the flow of work across the DevOps pipeline
  • Propose an organizational structure that supports DevOps principles, such as cross-functional teams and autonomous decision-making

Career center

Learners who complete DevOps Culture and Mindset will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams, ensuring that software is developed and deployed efficiently and reliably. This course provides a foundation in DevOps principles and practices, including continuous integration and delivery, infrastructure automation, and monitoring. By understanding the key concepts of DevOps, DevOps Engineers can help their organizations improve collaboration, reduce time-to-market, and increase the quality of their software products.
Software Development Manager
Software Development Managers are responsible for leading and managing software development teams. They oversee the development process, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course provides Software Development Managers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage DevOps teams, including how to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for ensuring that software products meet the required quality standards. They work with development teams to identify and fix defects, and they also develop and implement quality assurance processes. This course provides Quality Assurance Analysts with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality of software products.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex systems, including software, hardware, and networks. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and then design and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course provides Systems Engineers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality and reliability of systems.
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects are responsible for designing and managing cloud computing infrastructure. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and then design and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course provides Cloud Architects with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality and reliability of cloud infrastructure.
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT systems and services. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and then design and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course provides IT Managers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage DevOps teams and ensure that they are aligned with business goals.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and then develop and implement plans to achieve project goals. This course provides Project Managers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage DevOps projects, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve project outcomes.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for understanding business needs and then designing and implementing solutions that meet those needs. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop recommendations. This course provides Business Analysts with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality and value of business solutions.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining data systems. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and then design and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course provides Data Engineers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality and reliability of data systems.
Software Tester
Software Testers are responsible for testing software products to ensure that they meet the required quality standards. They work with development teams to identify and fix defects, and they also develop and implement testing processes. This course provides Software Testers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality of software products.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers are responsible for creating and maintaining documentation for software products. They work with development teams to gather information and then write clear and concise documentation that explains how to use the software. This course provides Technical Writers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality and usability of documentation.
Security Analyst
Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with stakeholders to understand their security needs and then design and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course provides Security Analysts with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the security of systems and networks.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and then design and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course provides Network Engineers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality and reliability of networks.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They work with stakeholders to understand their data needs and then design and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course provides Database Administrators with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality and reliability of databases.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and then design and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course provides Systems Administrators with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively work in a DevOps environment, including how to use DevOps tools and practices to improve the quality and reliability of systems.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in DevOps Culture and Mindset.
Provides a comprehensive overview of DevOps practices and principles. It valuable resource for learners who want to learn more about DevOps.
Provides insights into the science behind DevOps practices. It valuable resource for learners who want to understand the benefits of DevOps.
Provides a practical guide to building microservices, which are a type of software architecture that is well-suited for DevOps. It valuable resource for learners who want to learn how to build and operate microservices.
Provides a foundation for lean principles, which are essential for DevOps. It valuable resource for learners who want to understand the underlying principles of DevOps.
Provides insights into the practices and tools that Google uses to operate its massive data centers. It valuable resource for learners who want to learn how to build and operate reliable systems.
Provides insights into the Toyota Production System, which model for lean manufacturing. It valuable resource for learners who want to understand the principles of continuous improvement.
This novel provides a fictionalized account of a DevOps transformation. It good way to learn about DevOps in a more engaging way.
Provides a framework for building and validating new products and services. It valuable resource for learners who want to learn how to apply lean principles to their own startups.
Provides insights into the challenges that established companies face when they are faced with disruptive technologies. It valuable resource for learners who want to understand the challenges of innovation in the digital age.
This novel provides a fictionalized account of a manufacturing plant that is struggling to improve its performance. It good way to learn about the principles of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

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