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Getting Started with Visual Studio Team Services (2018)

by Benjamin Day

Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) is basically Team Foundation Server in the cloud. This course will show you how to get started, give you an overview of the features, and cover the typical tasks that you’d use VSTS for.

What you'll learn

At the core of Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) is a thorough knowledge of DevOps and software delivery. In this course, Getting Started with Visual Studio Team Services (2018), you’ll learn how to use VSTS to help deliver great working software.

First, you’ll learn how to manage code using Git and TFVC version control.
Next, you’ll explore automated builds and automated deployment of your software.
Finally, you’ll discover how to manage your projects using Scrum and Kanban along with how to manage the QA testing effort of your software project.

When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have a foundational knowledge of software project delivery using VSTS that will help you as you move forward to successful software delivery and DevOps awesomeness.

Table of contents

Course Overview
2mins

Course FAQ

What is Visual Studio Team Services (now Azure DevOps Services)?

Azure DevOps Services, previously known as Visual Studio Team Services, is a product from Microsoft that covers the entire application lifecycle and enables DevOps capabilities. It provides version control, reporting, requirements management, automated builds, testing and release management capabilities, and much more.

What's the difference between Azure DevOps and Azure DevOps Server?

The primary difference is that Azure DevOps is a hosted cloud offering, or Software as a Service (SaaS), while Azure DevOps Server is an on-premises version. Both are used for CI/CD, but the process usually starts in Azure DevOps (SaaS).

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who wants a to gain thorough knowledge of DevOps and software delivery through Azure DevOps Server (formerly Visual Studio Team Services).

What will I learn in this course?

You will learn:

  • What Azure DevOps Server (Visual Studio Team Services) is
  • How to manage your source code
  • Building, deploying, and DevOps
  • How to manage projects and teams
  • QA testing and defect tracking
  • How to migrate existing projects
  • Much more
Is Azure DevOps Server free?

There is a free "express" version of Azure DevOps Server for teams of 5 or fewer, or for individuals.

About the author

Benjamin Day is a consultant and trainer specializing in software development best practices using Microsoft’s development tools with an emphasis on Team Foundation Server, Scrum, and Windows Azure. He is a Microsoft Visual Studio ALM MVP, a certified Scrum trainer via Scrum.org, and a speaker at conferences such as TechEd, DevTeach, and VSLive. When not developing software, Ben’s been known to go running and kayaking in order to balance out his love of cheese, cured meats, and champagne. He can... more

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