DevOps diaries: a day in the life of code crafting heroes

Ever wondered what it's like to work with us? We're kicking off a behind-the-scenes series starting with our incredible DevOps team!?

Dive into a day in the life of a DevOps engineer, uncovering their routines, challenges, and the tools that keep everything running smoothly. ??

Firstly, please tell us how your journey in the industry began? Well, the story is pretty common for most people who start in IT.

After finishing my master’s degree, I got the opportunity to start as an IT assistant. At that time, I had no idea what the industry looked like and hadn't even asked myself if this was the right path for me. However, once I started working on my first tasks and delving into the IT world, I realized that it had become my passion. I can compare it to my first journey into the world of video games – exciting, immersive, and endlessly fascinating.

In my early days, I was particularly captivated by the problem-solving aspects and the constant learning opportunities in IT. Each challenge was like a puzzle to solve, and that kept me motivated and eager to learn more. This initial curiosity and enthusiasm laid the foundation for my journey into DevOps.

Can you walk me through a typical morning routine for a DevOps engineer?

A typical morning for a DevOps engineer starts with checking emails and system health dashboards to ensure everything is running smoothly and there are no critical alerts. Following this, we have a daily stand-up meeting with the team to sync up on current tasks, discuss any roadblocks, and plan the day.

Post stand-up, I dive into my tasks, which can range from writing and reviewing code to automating infrastructure and optimizing CI/CD pipelines. Collaboration is key, so much of the morning involves troubleshooting issues with colleagues, participating in code reviews, or brainstorming solutions with the team.

What are some common tasks a DevOps engineer might tackle during the first half of their workday?

It's hard to pinpoint common tasks for a DevOps engineer because it largely depends on the project I'm assigned to or the specific tasks I'm handling at the moment. However, generally speaking, my work during the first half of the day can fall into two main categories: operations and research and development (R&D).

For operations work, my morning might involve monitoring system health, responding to alerts, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that our infrastructure is running smoothly. This could also include tasks like deploying updates, managing configurations, or improving our continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to enhance efficiency and reliability.

On the R&D side, I could be experimenting with new tools and technologies, writing and reviewing code, or developing automation scripts to streamline processes. This aspect of my work often involves collaborating with other teams to integrate new features or optimize existing ones.

No two mornings are exactly the same, but whether I'm focusing on operations or R&D, my goal is always to support our development and deployment processes to ensure we deliver high-quality software efficiently.

How does collaboration typically occur among DevOps team members throughout the day?

Collaboration among DevOps team members typically occurs through regular stand-up meetings, instant messaging, and quick huddles throughout the day. We have a strong team spirit and enjoy working together, often helping each other troubleshoot issues or brainstorm solutions. This supportive environment not only makes our work more enjoyable but also helps us improve individually and as a team.

What tools or platforms are commonly used by DevOps professionals to manage infrastructure and deployments?

DevOps professionals commonly use a variety of tools and platforms to manage infrastructure and deployments. It's worth noting that the DevOps tooling landscape is vast, and there are numerous options available. Each team may choose the tools that best suit their specific needs and preferences.

Popular infrastructure management tools include Terraform and Ansible, which help automate the provisioning and configuration of resources. For containerization and orchestration, Docker and Kubernetes are widely used.

In recent years, GitOps has gained popularity as an approach to manage infrastructure and deployments using Git repositories as the single source of truth. Tools like Argo CD and Flux enable GitOps practices, allowing teams to declaratively define and automatically apply infrastructure and application changes based on Git commits.

When it comes to continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD), platforms like Jenkins, GitLab CI, and CircleCI are popular choices. Monitoring and logging are handled using tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana).

Can you describe a typical lunch break for someone working in a DevOps role?

A typical lunch break for a DevOps engineer? We're not aliens, believe it or not! Some of us gather for tech chats over sandwiches, others hit the park for a quick game, and there's always that one person still glued to their screen. Whether it's food, fun, or a bit of both, lunch breaks for us are just like any other—except with a sprinkle of geekiness!

What are some challenges that DevOps engineers might encounter during the afternoon portion of their workday?

For DevOps engineers, challenges are part of the daily routine. Throughout the day, whether it's morning, afternoon, or evening, we're constantly navigating complexities, troubleshooting issues, adapting to change, and fostering collaboration. From managing the intricacies of IT environments to ensuring system reliability and staying abreast of evolving technologies, each challenge presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. Effective communication and teamwork are paramount as we work together to overcome these obstacles and drive success in our projects.

How does monitoring and troubleshooting play into the daily routine of a DevOps engineer?

Monitoring and troubleshooting are vital aspects of a DevOps engineer's daily routine. We keep a close eye on system performance and health, swiftly addressing any issues that arise to maintain smooth operation. When challenges occur, we employ our problem-solving skills and teamwork to identify and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring our systems remain reliable and resilient.

Are there any regular meetings or stand-ups that DevOps teams participate in, and if so, what purpose do they serve?

Yes, DevOps teams often participate in regular meetings or stand-ups as part of an Agile framework. These meetings serve to synchronize efforts, discuss progress, and address any impediments. One common meeting is the daily stand-up, where team members provide updates on their work, share any challenges they're facing, and coordinate tasks for the day. This helps keep everyone aligned and ensures transparency within the team.

In addition to stand-ups, DevOps teams typically participate in sprint planning meetings at the beginning of each sprint. During these meetings, the team collaborates to define the objectives for the upcoming sprint, prioritize tasks, and estimate the effort required for each item. This sets the direction for the sprint and enables the team to work towards achieving their goals efficiently.

Overall, these regular meetings play a crucial role in fostering communication, collaboration, and alignment within DevOps teams, ultimately contributing to the success of the projects they work on.

What role does automation play in the daily tasks of a DevOps practitioner?

Automation is the backbone of a DevOps practitioner's daily tasks. It simplifies repetitive chores, minimizes errors, and speeds up critical processes like infrastructure management and software deployments. By automating these routine tasks, DevOps practitioners can dedicate more time to strategic initiatives, enhancing efficiency and reliability in their work.

What motivated you to pursue a career in DevOps, and how does that passion manifest in your daily work routine?

DevOps isn't just a career for me—it's a passion and a hobby. The drive to pursue DevOps stems from my fascination with blending development and operations to create efficient, scalable systems. This passion permeates my daily work routine, where I approach each task with enthusiasm and a commitment to continuous improvement. Whether it's automating processes, optimizing workflows, or troubleshooting issues, my passion for DevOps shines through in every aspect of my work.

After a typical workday in DevOps, what activities or hobbies do you engage in to unwind and recharge for the next day?

After a typical workday in DevOps, I unwind and recharge with a mix of activities. Strumming my electric guitar lets me escape into music and unwind. I also enjoy listening to music and reading books, both technical and non-technical, keeping me engaged and inspired. Spending time with my girlfriend brings me joy and helps me relax. And occasionally, I kick back with video games for some light-hearted fun. These hobbies help me disconnect from work and ensure I'm ready for whatever the next day brings.

Bohdan, thank you for your practical and motivating advice on pursuing dreams and navigating the DevOps world. Your inspiration extends to your colleagues at Sofixit and the many individuals you mentor. We wish you continued success and growth on your chosen path.