6 Best DevOps Automation Tools: Streamline your workflow

Fernando Doglio · Improve this Guide

DevOps is like the ultimate team-up between development and operations teams, constantly looking to deliver software faster and more reliably. It all boils down to breaking silos, fostering collaboration, and continuously improving the development lifecycle. After all, developers and operations are just two sides of the same coin.

Now, imagine trying to keep everything running smoothly but doing it manually—sounds like a recipe for chaos, right? Automation in DevOps is crucial because it streamlines workflows and minimizes human intervention.

In this article, we’ll dive into the 6 best DevOps automation tools that can help you streamline your workflow and keep your projects on track. Here’s the full list of the tools we’ll be covering:

1. GitHub Actions
2. Jenkins
3. Ansible
4. Puppet
5. Terraform
6. AWS CloudFormation

Criteria for Selecting the Best DevOps Automation Tools

Choosing the right DevOps automation tools is crucial for optimizing your workflow and ensuring smooth operations. To help you navigate the vast landscape of available options, let’s break down the primary categories of automation tools that you’ll encounter in the DevOps ecosystem.

Key Features to Consider

Before diving into the actual DevOps automation tools, it’s important to keep in mind the key features that make a DevOps tool stand out.

While we won’t delve into the specifics here, remember to consider aspects like:

• Integration capabilities: how well do these tools work with others in the DevOps ecosystem? Considering we’re reviewing automation-related tools, the more and easier they integrate with other systems, the better they’ll be.
• Scalability: how much automation can be done through these tools? How easy is it to grow that number? Scalability is a key feature for automation tools, as they’re expected to work unsupervised.
• User-friendliness: UX is an important aspect of any tool, especially so for mission-critical systems. The easier they are to set up and maintain, the better.
• Community support: an active community around a tool speaks volumes of the quality of that tool.
• Documentation: any tool is worthless if it doesn’t have detailed and well-structured documentation.
• Security features: understanding how easy these tools make it for the operations team to set up a secure environment will dictate how safe they are (in the context of this article).

Categories of Automation Tools

DevOps automation tools can be grouped into several categories, each addressing different aspects of the development process and operations lifecycle. Understanding these categories will help you identify which tools are best suited for your specific needs.

1. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

CI/CD tools are the backbone of modern DevOps practices. They automate the process of integrating code changes, running tests, and deploying applications. By streamlining these steps, CI/CD tools help ensure that code is consistently built, tested, and released with minimal manual intervention.

2. Configuration Management

Configuration management tools focus on maintaining consistency across your infrastructure. They automate the setup, deployment, and management of servers and applications, ensuring that environments remain stable and reproducible. This category is essential for managing large-scale deployments and minimizing configuration drift.

3. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

IaC tools are all about infrastructure management and infrastructure automation. This approach enables version control for your infra, reproducibility for your environments, and scalability, making it easier to provision and manage resources across different environments.

My Favorite DevOps Automation Tools

Alright, and before we go into the details of each tool, let me share my personal favorite ones.

While all the tools we’re about to discuss are fantastic in their own right, there are three that have truly won my nerd heart: GitHub Actions, AWS CloudFormation, and Ansible.

GitHub Actions is like that all-in-one Swiss Army knife you didn’t know you needed—but now you can’t live without it. With a perfect 5/5 in Integration Capabilities, Scalability, User-Friendliness, and Community Support, it checks all the boxes effortlessly. I can’t remember how many times I’ve relied on it for setting up quick CI/CD pipelines with just a few clicks.

AWS CloudFormation is my go-to for managing AWS resources. It scores 5/5 in Integration Capabilities, Scalability, and Security Features, making it indispensable for anyone deeply embedded in the AWS ecosystem.

Finally, Ansible takes the cake when it comes to configuration management and automation. With an outstanding 5/5 ratings across Integration Capabilities, Scalability, User-Friendliness, and Community Support, it’s no wonder Ansible is the go-to tool for so many other DevOps in the industry.

The following table summarizes the data presented throughout this article:

Let’s now take a closer look at all the tools, and let you decide which ones are your favorite ones.

Top 6 DevOps Automation Tools

Now that we’ve covered the criteria for selecting the best DevOps automation tools, let’s dive into our top picks. Each tool is evaluated based on key features from the previous point: integration capabilities, scalability, user-friendliness, community support, and security features.

Get comfortable, because it’s going to be a long read.

1. GitHub Actions

Overview

GitHub Actions is GitHub’s native continuous integration & continuous deployment (CI/CD) tool, designed to automate your software workflows directly within your GitHub repositories. No matter where in the SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) you are, GitHub Actions provides a seamless way to integrate these processes into your workflow.

Integration Capabilities 5/5 ★★★★★

GitHub Actions shines when it comes to integration. Being part of GitHub, it naturally integrates with your repositories, issues, and pull requests. Plus, with a vast marketplace of pre-built actions, you can easily connect with tools like Slack, Docker, and AWS without breaking a sweat.

Scalability 5/5 ★★★★★

Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a massive enterprise, GitHub Actions scales effortlessly. Its cloud-based runners can handle anything from small projects to large, complex workflows without skipping a beat.

User-Friendliness 4/5 ★★★★☆

While in theory, setting up GitHub Actions should be as easy as pie, in practice, it takes a while to understand their configuration syntax. The YAML syntax and extensive documentation make it accessible (although not trivially simple) even for those new to CI/CD. Plus, the GitHub interface provides a clear view of your workflows, making management a breeze.

Community Support and Documentation 5/5 ★★★★★

With GitHub’s massive user base, community support is top-notch. You’ll find countless tutorials, forums, and GitHub-hosted actions to help you troubleshoot and enhance your workflows. The official documentation is comprehensive and regularly updated.

Security Features 4/5 ★★★★☆

GitHub Actions offers robust security features, including encrypted secrets, granular permissions, and support for various authentication methods. While it’s secure out of the box, always stay updated with best practices to maintain optimal security.

2. Jenkins

Overview

Jenkins is one of the oldest and most popular open-source CI/CD tools in the DevOps landscape. Renowned for its flexibility, Jenkins allows you to automate virtually any part of your development pipeline with its extensive plugin ecosystem.

Integration Capabilities 5/5 ★★★★★

Jenkins has an impressive array of plugins that enable integration with almost every tool you can think of—from version control systems like Git and SVN to containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes. If it exists, there’s likely a Jenkins plugin for it.

Scalability 4/5 ★★★★☆

Jenkins can handle large-scale projects with ease, especially when set up in a distributed architecture. However, managing numerous plugins and maintaining performance can require a bit more elbow grease compared to some newer tools.

User-Friendliness 3/5 ★★★☆☆

Jenkins offers immense flexibility, but this comes at the cost of a steeper learning curve. The user interface is functional but not the most intuitive, and setting up complex pipelines may require a good grasp of Jenkinsfile syntax. In other words, from the UX perspective, Jenkins tends to be geared towards advanced users.

Community Support and Documentation 5/5 ★★★★★

With decades in the game, Jenkins has a vast and active community. You’ll find extensive documentation, countless plugins, and numerous forums and tutorials to help you navigate any challenges.

Security Features 4/5 ★★★★☆

Jenkins provides essential security features like role-based access control, credentials management, and support for various authentication protocols. Regular updates and a proactive community help keep security tight.

3. Ansible

Overview

Ansible is a powerful automation tool focused on configuration management, application deployment, and task automation. It’s agentless architecture and simple syntax makes it a favorite among DevOps professionals.

Integration Capabilities 5/5 ★★★★★

Ansible integrates seamlessly with a wide range of tools and platforms, including cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as container platforms like Docker and Kubernetes. Its modular design ensures compatibility with most environments.

Scalability 5/5 ★★★★★

Ansible scales effortlessly from managing a handful of servers to thousands. Its push-based model simplifies scaling, allowing you to manage large infrastructures without the need for additional agents. You could say it was designed to scale.

User-Friendliness 5/5 ★★★★★

Ansible is known for its simplicity. The YAML-based playbooks are easy to write and understand, making them accessible even for those new to automation. The learning curve is gentle, and the clear documentation supports smooth adoption.

Community Support and Documentation 5/5 ★★★★★

Ansible has a vibrant community and extensive documentation. From official guides to community-contributed modules and roles, you’ll find plenty of resources to help you understand Ansible and troubleshoot any issues.

Security Features 4/5 ★★★★☆

Ansible includes several security features, such as encrypted secrets with Ansible Vault, SSH-based communication, and support for various authentication methods. While it’s secure by default, you can never be 100% sure, especially with tools that handle the lowest level of our infrastructure, so keep an eye out for best practices as well.

4. Puppet

Overview

Puppet is a robust configuration management tool designed to automate the provisioning, configuration, and management of infrastructure. It’s particularly well-suited for large and complex environments.

Integration Capabilities 4/5 ★★★★☆

Puppet integrates well with a variety of platforms and tools, including major cloud providers, container platforms, and monitoring tools. Its API and plugin ecosystem extend its compatibility, though it may not be as extensive as some competitors.

Scalability 5/5 ★★★★★

Puppet excels in scalability, making it ideal for managing really large infrastructures across multiple environments. Its client-server architecture and efficient resource management ensure smooth operations even at scale.

User-Friendliness 4/5 ★★★★☆

Puppet offers a user-friendly experience with its declarative language and comprehensive toolset. However, mastering Puppet’s intricacies can take some time, especially for those new to configuration management. Much like Jenkins in its category, you could say Puppet is the choice for advanced users.

Community Support and Documentation 4/5 ★★★★☆

Puppet has a strong community and extensive documentation, including modules, tutorials, and forums. While not as large as some other communities, the available resources are highly valuable and well-maintained.

Security Features 4/5 ★★★★☆

Puppet provides solid security features, including encrypted data handling, role-based access control, and compliance reporting. Regular updates and a focus on security best practices help maintain a secure environment.

5. Terraform

Overview

If you’re talking about DevOps automation tools, Terrafor is definitely up there on the list. Terraform by HashiCorp is a leading Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool that enables you to define and provision infrastructure across various cloud providers using a declarative configuration language.

Integration Capabilities 5/5 ★★★★★

Terraform’s extensive provider ecosystem allows it to integrate with almost any cloud service, platform, or tool you can think of. From AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud to Kubernetes, Docker, and even SaaS applications, Terraform is everywhere.

Scalability 5/5 ★★★★★

Terraform scales beautifully, managing everything from small projects to large, multi-cloud infrastructures. Its modular approach and state management ensure that scaling up doesn’t introduce complexity or instability.

User-Friendliness 4/5 ★★★★☆

Terraform offers a straightforward syntax with HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL), making it relatively easy to learn and use. While powerful, some advanced features may require a deeper understanding, but overall it’s user-friendly.

Community Support and Documentation 5/5 ★★★★★

Terraform boasts a vibrant community and comprehensive documentation. With countless modules available in the Terraform Registry, along with tutorials and active forums, finding support and resources is a breeze.

Security Features 4/5 ★★★★☆

Terraform emphasizes security with features like state encryption, integration with secret management tools, and support for various authentication methods. Proper configuration and adherence to best practices ensure a secure infrastructure.

6. AWS CloudFormation

Overview

AWS CloudFormation is Amazon Web Services’ native IaC tool, allowing you to model and set up your AWS cloud infrastructure using templates written in JSON or YAML. It’s a go-to choice for those deeply embedded in the AWS ecosystem.

Integration Capabilities 5/5 ★★★★★

CloudFormation integrates seamlessly with all AWS services, providing a unified experience for managing your AWS infrastructure. While it’s primarily AWS-focused, it can also work with third-party services through custom resources.

Scalability 5/5 ★★★★★

Designed to handle the full scale of AWS environments, CloudFormation effortlessly manages everything from single instances to complex multi-region architectures. Its stack management ensures that scaling is both efficient and reliable.

User-Friendliness 4/5 ★★★★☆

CloudFormation offers a powerful way to manage AWS resources, but the complexity of some templates can be daunting. The AWS Management Console provides a user-friendly interface, and tools like the AWS CLI and SDKs enhance usability.

Community Support and Documentation 4/5 ★★★★☆

AWS provides extensive documentation and a solid support ecosystem for CloudFormation. While the community is strong, it’s more niche compared to multi-cloud tools like Terraform. Nevertheless, AWS forums and third-party resources are quite helpful.

Security Features 5/5 ★★★★★

Security is a strong suit for CloudFormation, with deep integration with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), support for encrypted parameters, and compliance with numerous industry standards. AWS’s robust security infrastructure further enhances CloudFormation’s security capabilities.

How to Choose the Right DevOps Automation Tool for Your Workflow

Selecting the perfect DevOps automation tool can feel like a daunting task, especially if your decision will affect many others. Maybe you’re picking the DevOps automation tools for your team or maybe you’re the one deciding for the standards of the company.

Truth is, when choosing a DevOps automation tool there are some essential factors to consider that have to align with your workflow and organizational needs. If that happens, then you can sleep comfortably at night, knowing you made the best possible choice for your specific context.

Let’s take a look.

Assessing Your Team’s Needs

Before diving headfirst into the sea of DevOps automation tools, it’s crucial to take a step back and assess what your team truly needs. It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times a choice is made out of familiarity with a tool rather than by taking into consideration the actual needs of the project.

Understanding your project requirements and team size will set the foundation for making an informed choice.

1. Project Requirements

• Type of Projects: Are you working on small, agile projects or large-scale, enterprise-level applications? Different tools excel in different scenarios.
• Development Practices: Do you follow specific methodologies like Agile, Scrum, or Kanban? Ensure the tool supports your preferred workflow.
• Deployment Frequency: High-frequency deployments require robust CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions or Jenkins to keep up with the pace.
• Timeline: Do you have the time to learn a new skill? Is it better to go with something that gets the job done and is familiar to you vs. picking the ideal tool which has a steeper learning curve and will require you to spend some months fiddling around and making educated guesses.

2. Team Size and Expertise

• Skill Level: If your team is new to DevOps, tools with a gentle learning curve like Ansible or GitHub Actions might be more suitable.
• Resource Availability: Larger teams might benefit from more comprehensive tools with extensive features, while smaller teams might prefer lightweight solutions to avoid overcomplicating things.
• Collaboration Needs: Consider how the tool facilitates teamwork. Features like shared dashboards and integrated communication can enhance collaboration.

Considering Integration with Existing Tools

No one likes playing nice with others? Well, in the DevOps world, seamless integration is a must. Ensuring compatibility with your current tech stack can save you a lot of time and headaches down the road.

1. Compatibility with Existing Tools

• Version Control Systems: Ensure the automation tool integrates smoothly with your version control system, whether it’s GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.
• CI/CD Pipelines: If you’re already using certain CI/CD tools, check if your new tool can complement or replace them without causing disruptions.
• Containerization and Orchestration: Tools like Docker and Kubernetes are staples in many DevOps workflows. Make sure your automation tool plays well with these technologies.

2. APIs and Extensibility

• Custom Integrations: Look for tools that offer robust APIs, allowing you to create custom integrations tailored to your specific needs.
• Plugin Ecosystems: Tools with extensive plugin libraries (like Jenkins) offer greater flexibility and the ability to extend functionality as needed.

Evaluating Scalability and Flexibility

Your organization might be small now, but you’re playing the long game, and who knows what the future holds! Choosing DevOps automation tools that can scale and adapt as your company grows is essential for long-term success.

1. Scalability

• Handling Increased Load: Ensure the tool can manage an increase in projects, users, and deployments without performance degradation.
• Multi-Project Support: If you plan to expand your project portfolio, choose tools that can handle multiple projects efficiently.

2. Flexibility

• Customization Options: The ability to customize workflows, scripts, and configurations ensures the tool can adapt to your unique processes. This will make the tool useful in more situations/projects, giving you a higher ROI.
• Support for Multiple Environments: Tools that support various environments (development, staging, production) offer greater flexibility in managing different stages of your projects.

Budget Considerations

Let’s face it—budget constraints are a reality for most organizations. Balancing the features you need with what you can afford sometimes feels like a balancing act.

1. Cost vs. Features

• Free vs. Paid Plans: Many DevOps tools offer free tiers with basic features, which can be great for small teams or startups. Evaluate whether the paid features are worth the investment for your needs.
• License Models: Understand the pricing structure—whether it’s based on the number of users, projects, or usage levels. Choose a model that aligns with your usage patterns.

2. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

• Initial Setup Costs: Consider the time and resources required to implement and configure the tool.
• Maintenance and Support: Factor in ongoing costs related to updates, support, and potential training for your team.
• Hidden Costs: Watch out for additional costs like premium plugins, integrations, or storage fees that might not be apparent upfront.

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Tool

With all of that said, you might still have some doubts about specific areas where multiple DevOps tools seem equivalent to each other, making it really hard to decide one over the other. At this stage, you can use some of the following techniques to help you make the final call:

1. List Your Priorities: Cut through all the fluff and identify which features are non-negotiable and which ones are nice to have. Evaluate if there is only one tool that properly gives you all the must-have ones, and go with that one.
2. Trial and Error: Take advantage of free trials or demo versions to test how well the tool fits your workflow before committing. Make a POC, test the tool out. In the end, you might find out that the documentation tells one story, and the actual implementation is very different.
3. Seek Feedback: Involve your team in the decision-making process to ensure the tool meets everyone’s needs and preferences. And if your team hasn’t heard of any of the options, check out online forums, or look for reviews (ideally bad ones) to understand what others have to say about them. In some situations, this is much better and faster than gathering all the information and making an informed decision on your own.
4. Stay Updated: The DevOps landscape is constantly evolving. Choose tools that are regularly updated and have a strong roadmap for future enhancements.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we’ve explored the 6 best DevOps automation tools that can significantly streamline your workflow. From GitHub Actions and Jenkins to Ansible, Puppet, Terraform, and AWS CloudFormation, each tool offers unique strengths tailored to different aspects of the DevOps lifecycle.

DevOps automation tools are essential because they enhance efficiency, help reduce errors (by taking care of the repetitive tasks instead of us), accelerate delivery, improve collaboration, and ensure scalability.

In essence, these tools are the backbone of a successful DevOps strategy, enabling teams to deliver high-quality software.

Adopting many of these DevOps automation tools can transform the way your team works, making your processes more efficient, reliable, and scalable.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your DevOps journey, you should check out our DevOps Roadmap to get started on learning about these powerful automation tools and take your skills to the next level.