Navigating Azure DevOps UI

Now that your Azure DevOps organization is up and running, it's time to get familiar with the user interface (UI). Understanding the layout of Azure DevOps will help you navigate effortlessly and make the most of its powerful tools like Boards, Repos, Pipelines, and more.

Overview of the Azure DevOps Interface

The Azure DevOps UI is designed to bring everything you need for software development into one place. Whether you're managing code, tracking tasks, or automating deployments — it’s all accessible through a clean, organized interface.

1. Navigation Bar

The top navigation bar is your main control panel. It lets you:

Switch between projects and organizations
Access services like Boards, Repos, Pipelines, Test Plans, and Artifacts
Search for resources or work items quickly

It’s available no matter where you are in the portal, so you can always find your way.

Use the navigation bar to switch between services and projects.

Your DevOps project overview — all in one place.

2. Project Dashboard

Each project has its own dashboard that shows recent activities, quick access to repositories, active pipelines, work items, and more.

It's like a bird’s-eye view of everything happening in your project — perfect for tracking progress at a glance.

3. Boards

Azure Boards helps you plan, track, and manage your work using Agile tools like:

Kanban boards
Scrum boards
Backlogs and sprints

Whether you're working solo or in a team, Boards keeps everyone organized and aligned.

Manage your source code using Git with Azure Repos.

4. Repos

Repos is where your project’s code lives. It provides Git-based version control with features like:

Branching and merging
Pull requests for collaboration
Inline code reviews and history

It’s a collaborative space where multiple developers can work safely on the same codebase.

5. Pipelines

Azure Pipelines allows you to build, test, and deploy your applications automatically through CI/CD workflows. It supports:

YAML and classic editors
Multiple programming languages
Integration with GitHub, Docker, Kubernetes, and more

This is where automation happens — saving time and reducing human error.

Automate your development workflows with Pipelines.

Test your application manually or automatically using Test Plans.

6. Test Plans

Azure Test Plans is a complete testing solution. It lets you:

Create test cases
Run manual and automated tests
Track bugs and test results

It’s a great way to make sure your software works before releasing it to users.

7. Artifacts

Azure Artifacts lets you create, host, and share packages across your organization. It supports package types like:

NuGet (for .NET)
npm (for Node.js)
Maven (for Java)
Python packages

It helps keep your dependencies organized and secure.

Manage packages and dependencies with Azure Artifacts.

Conclusion

Azure DevOps brings together all the tools you need for modern software development into one clean, integrated UI. By understanding how to navigate its dashboard, services, and menus, you’ll feel more confident managing your projects.

In the next section, we’ll learn how to create and manage multiple projects within your Azure DevOps organization. Let’s keep building!

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