DevOps is an umbrella term that covers the culture, mindset, development style, process, and techniques of software development. DevOps aims to improve the quality of software delivery through collaboration, automation, predictable results, shorter lead times, and faster customer feedback.

Blockchain is an immutable distributed ledger technology. A blockchain ledger consists of decentralized 'blocks' that contain records of events or' transactions' on the ledger network. Once the blockchain has recorded a transaction, it cannot be deleted or updated. Blockchain can be either centralized or decentralized, and by its inherent nature is always distributed.

However, most blockchain networks are decentralized, meaning they run on nodes in the network rather than on a central server. Moreover, decentralized blockchains are permissionless, meaning anyone can access them or participate in their networks.

Web3 is a hypothetical version of the next generation Internet. Web2 ushered in an era of dynamic user-generated content, widespread adoption of e-commerce, and ease of use. And Web3, powered by blockchain technology, is enough to bring about a new era of decentralization by transferring ownership of user data from large players to the users themselves. Web3 organizations, such as ConsenSys, offer new tools that promise a range of security and productivity benefits when combined with common DevOps practices.

How do DevOps and blockchain complement each other?

DevOps is a continuous cycle of improving the software delivery chain. Its best practices can support blockchain technology development through different stages and tools. Current DevOps tools and practices will use containerization, automation, and shorter development iterations to aid blockchain development.

On the other hand, blockchain technology offers a better way to deliver services and data through invariance, security, smart contracts, and more. In addition, it can take DevOps delivery to the next level by ensuring quality and eliminating ambiguity.

How can blockchain help DevOps practices?

As an emerging technology, blockchain has moved from cryptocurrency to application scope. As the technology matures, it can enhance DevOps and the software delivery process in a variety of ways.

1. Transparent delivery of immutable books

Applications can leverage blockchain's immutable ledger technology for more transparent and reliable delivery. Each node in the blockchain can contain a complete history of the software development process and its dependencies, adding credibility to it.

2. Quality assurance of smart contracts

Arbitrary code for a smart contract is executed only if a predetermined condition is successfully met. Thus, smart contracts can be used to regulate the testing and acceptance process. In addition, this approach will help automate the compliance and approval process.

3. Slas with smart contracts

Software delivery can use smart contracts to encode service level agreements for consumers of the application. This eliminates ambiguities and disagreements over requirements specified in the agreement. Similarly, distributed ledgers can help settle payments and secure permissions.

4. Security and auditability of immutable ledgers

DevSecOps practices strive to ensure software security, and authentication-requiring blockchains further enhance this security by authenticating participants in the network. Log events can be recorded in an immutable ledger so that researchers can trace back to the exact point in time of the security breach.

In addition, since blockchain-based code is immutable and all nodes have the entire transaction history, supply chain security can be maintained and verified by auditing the relevant ledgers of open source or third-party libraries.

5. Mandatory documents

Software documentation is often nonexistent, low-quality, or outdated. Multiple versions of the same document often create ambiguity. Immutable ledgers can contain signed versions of the latest documents, and smart contracts can also be activated prior to software delivery to ensure that specific document standards are met.

Conclusion

DevOps is a widely accepted software delivery practice. Part of the reason for its success is its use of cutting-edge technology. Blockchain is also an emerging technology that can greatly benefit from software delivered over a network. While current DevOps tools and practices can help develop applications on blockchain, the adoption of more mature blockchains can improve DevOps practices.