AWS CodeDeploy vs Visual Studio Team Services: What are the differences?

Introduction

AWS CodeDeploy and Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) are two popular tools used in software development and deployment. While both tools serve similar purposes, there are some key differences between them.

1. Deployment Targets: One key difference between AWS CodeDeploy and VSTS is the deployment targets they support. CodeDeploy is specifically designed for deploying applications to Amazon EC2 instances, on-premises servers, and Lambda functions, while VSTS can deploy to a wider range of targets including Azure virtual machines, on-premises servers, and even third-party cloud providers.

2. Integration with Cloud Platforms: Another difference lies in the cloud platforms they are integrated with. AWS CodeDeploy is natively integrated with various AWS services such as Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Amazon S3, and AWS Lambda, making it seamless to create deployment pipelines in the AWS ecosystem. VSTS, on the other hand, seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Azure, enabling users to easily deploy to Azure virtual machines, Azure App Services, and other Azure resources.

3. Built-in Release Pipelines: VSTS provides built-in release pipelines, allowing users to easily create end-to-end deployment workflows that include various stages like code compilation, testing, and deployment. In contrast, while CodeDeploy does provide deployment capabilities, it is more focused on the actual deployment process and does not provide the same level of release pipeline management as VSTS.

4. Deployment Flexibility: CodeDeploy offers more flexibility in terms of deployment options. It supports deployments to multiple instances in parallel or in a rolling fashion, allowing for high availability and zero-downtime deployments. VSTS, on the other hand, provides more control over the deployment process by offering features such as deployment gates and approval workflows, giving users the ability to manually control when and where deployments occur.

5. Pricing Models: The pricing models for AWS CodeDeploy and VSTS differ. CodeDeploy pricing is based on the number of on-premises instances and/or EC2 instances in your deployments, while VSTS pricing is based on the number of users and the amount of build and release pipeline minutes used. It is important to consider your specific deployment needs and budget when choosing between the two.

6. Ecosystem and Community: AWS CodeDeploy is part of the wider AWS ecosystem, which includes a vast array of other services and a large community of users. This ecosystem provides a rich set of resources and support for developers utilizing CodeDeploy. VSTS, on the other hand, has its own ecosystem within the Microsoft and Azure community, offering different integration possibilities and a dedicated user base.

In summary, AWS CodeDeploy is primarily focused on deployment and offers flexibility in terms of deployment options, while VSTS provides more comprehensive release pipeline management and integrates seamlessly with Azure. The choice between the two depends on specific deployment needs, target platforms, and preferred ecosystem.