Azure DevOps provides robust tools for building and deploying applications, with two primary methods for creating build pipelines: YAML builds and classic builds. Each has its unique strengths, making them suitable for different scenarios. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide which approach might be best for your projects.

YAML Builds

1. Version Control Integration

YAML builds are defined as code and stored in your version control system. This means your build pipeline is versioned alongside your application code, making it easy to track changes, roll back to previous versions, and collaborate with your team.

2. Flexibility and Customization

YAML files provide a high degree of flexibility, allowing you to define complex workflows and custom scripts. You can use templates to reuse pipeline definitions and parameters to make your pipeline definitions more modular and easier to manage.

3. Automation and CI/CD

By integrating directly into your repository, YAML builds support seamless continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD). Any change in the repository can automatically trigger a build, ensuring quick feedback and early detection of issues.

4. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

YAML builds align with the Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practice, promoting a consistent and automated approach to managing and provisioning computing infrastructure through machine-readable definition files.

Classic Builds

1. User-Friendly Interface

Classic builds provide a visual, user-friendly interface for creating and managing pipelines. This can be particularly beneficial for teams who prefer a more intuitive, drag-and-drop approach rather than writing code.

2. Quick Setup

Setting up a build pipeline using the classic editor is straightforward and requires minimal setup time. It’s ideal for teams that need to get up and running quickly without diving into the complexities of YAML syntax.

3. Integration with Existing Workflows

Classic builds offer out-of-the-box integration with many common tools and services. If your workflow relies on these integrations, the classic build might be the more convenient option.

4. Legacy Support

For organizations with existing pipelines in the classic format, maintaining these builds in the classic editor can avoid the need for immediate migration, ensuring stability and continuity.

Choosing the Right Approach

The decision between YAML builds and classic builds largely depends on your team’s needs and workflow preferences. YAML builds are great for teams embracing DevOps practices, requiring version control, and favoring automation and flexibility. On the other hand, classic builds are suitable for teams looking for ease of use, quick setup, and integration with existing tools.

In summary, both YAML and classic builds in Azure DevOps offer powerful capabilities for managing your build pipelines. Understanding their strengths will help you leverage the right tool for your specific requirements, driving efficiency and collaboration in your development process.