Graeme Lilly

2 July 2025

10 Essential Things to Know Before Diving into Database DevOps

In today’s rapidly evolving world of development, Database DevOps is becoming an essential practice. It combines the agility of DevOps with the intricacies of databases, all with the goal of enhancing speed, stability and collaboration when it comes to database changes. However, before diving into Database DevOps there are some key concepts your team should get acquainted with.

Here are 10 key things you should know to truly understand and reap the benefits from Database DevOps.

1. What DevOps Actually Means

“DevOps” isn’t just a buzzword – it represents a cultural and technical shift that breaks down the traditional barriers between development and operational teams. It focuses on automation, collaboration and continuous delivery. Grasping the core principles of DevOps is essential before you start applying them to databases.

Think of DevOps as a mindset shift, not just a tool set.

2. Relational vs Non-Relational Databases

Not all databases are created equal. Relational databases, such as SQL Server and PostgreSQL are quite popular, but NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra bring their own unique structures and advantages to the table.

If you are choosing a platform for your project, it is important to learn enough about all these paradigms to make an informed choice. If you’re already using one, make sure you understand the fundamentals of the platform you are using.

Understanding when and why to use these different types can really enhance your decision making in DevOps practices.

3. The Basics of Databases

You don’t have to know everything about the data platform like a DBA should, but you do need to understand what a database is and how it works. This includes concepts like:

• Tables & relationships
• Indexes
• Primary/foreign keys
• Basic CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete)

A solid grasp of these will help you understand what’s being automated and why it matters.

4. Version Control Fundamentals

If you’re feeling a bit uneasy about using tools like Git, it’s time to learn. Version control systems are essential in the world of DevOps, and when it comes to Database DevOps, they allow you to track and manage schema changes just like you would with code.

Tip: Use Flyway to help practice committing, branching and merging with small projects.

5. CI/CD: Continuous Integration & Continuous Deployment

Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) is a modern approach to software development that automates the process of building, testing and preparing code changes for release. This process enables faster and more reliable deployments.

CI/CD pipelines are all about automating the process of building, testing and deploying software. But before you start applying these pipelines to databases, you need to understand how they work in the realm of application development.

• What triggers them
• What steps get automated
• How they manage errors and rollbacks

Having this foundational knowledge will empower you to integrate CI/CD into your database workflows.

6. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

DevOps really takes advantage of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), which means things like servers, networks and databases are all managed and set up using code. With tools like Terraform or Ansible, you can create infrastructure that’s not only repeatable but also predictable.

When it comes to databases, IaC plays a vital role in making sure that environments are consistent and can be tested easily – this is critical for scaling in DevOps.

7. How Database Change Management Works

Databases are living systems, and their schemas evolve over time. Change management includes:

• Schema migrations
• Versioning
• Rollbacks

Understanding how these work manually will help you appreciate the power of automating them later.

8. The importance of Data Security and Compliance

DevOps is all about speed, but we can’t afford to treat security as an afterthought – especially when we’re dealing with databases that hold sensitive or regulated data. It’s essential to grasp the following:

• Encryption
• Access Control
• Compliance standards (e.g. GDPR and HIPAA)

Being aware of these factors is vital when you’re looking to implement automation to sensitive environments. Considering tools like Redgate Test Data Manager can help ensure compliance, whilst keeping referential integrity across your database environments.

9. Monitoring Database Performance and Availability

Monitoring is absolutely crucial for Database DevOps as it provides real-time visibility into performance, availability and usage, enabling teams to detect and resolve issues before they impact users or deployments.

With frequent, automated changes taking place across different environments, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your database’s performance and availability. Key areas to focus on include:

• Query performance (e.g slow queries, locking)
• System health (including CPU, memory, disc I/O)
• Uptime and availability
• Alerting for anomalies or failures in both deployments and everyday operations

Using tools like Redgate Monitor can really help you visualize trends and catch potential problems before they escalate.

10. Collaboration is Key

Database DevOps thrives on team work across different roles. Developers, DBAs and operations teams should:

• Share knowledge and expertise
• Use shared tools
• Align on workflows and standards

If your team is stuck in silos, you’ll find Database DevOps will face challenges. It’s crucial to nurture a collaborative culture right from the start.

Final Thoughts

Database DevOps is truly a game changer, but it’s not as simple as installing some software and connecting it to some servers. Building a solid foundation in the basics – from embracing a DevOps culture to understanding database structures and security – is key to your success.

Once your team gets a grip on these 10 essentials, you’ll be ready to explore how automation, CI/CD and version control can really elevate your database workflows.

Are you ready to take things to the next level? Get in touch and we’d love to have a chat!

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