What is the difference between Pipeline and Release Pipeline in azure devops

Question

A YAML file will be  generated after you choose this option shown below:

In this YAML file, you can define an entire deployment cycle starting from:  restore -> build -> run tests -> publish and -> deploy to azure app service web app.

then, why is there the option of a release? If I can define an entire lifecycle via the Pipelines -> Pipelines option, what is the purpose of the Pipelines -> Releases option?

Answer 1

The "Pipelines" section offer to create pipelines in two ways:

1. YAML code
2. Classic UI editor

What Classic means by them is the original way Azure DevOps pipelines are created. You build a pipeline by interactively using a GUI editor. A pipeline created from YAML, with the help of the assistant is the newer way. 

 Writing YAML code enables you to configure your CI/CD strategy as code, where, the Pipeline definition lives alongside and together with your code.

I recommend you use Classic UI editor and the "Pipelines" section for builds and the "Release" section for deployments.

If you want to use YAML just use the "Pipelines" section for builds and deployments and create a multistage pipeline.