Network Programmability and Automation: The Essential Guide for the Next-Generation Network Engineer
Network Programmability and Automation Skills for the Next-Generation Network Engineer Book Pdf
If you are a network engineer who wants to learn how to use a range of technologies and tools to automate your systems through code, then this book is for you. Network Programmability and Automation: Skills for the Next-Generation Network Engineer is a practical guide that shows you how to simplify tasks involved in configuring, managing, and operating network equipment, topologies, services, and connectivity. The book is written by Jason Edelman, Scott S. Lowe, and Matt Oswalt, who are experts in network automation and programmability.
Network Programmability And Automation Skills For The NextGeneration Network Engineer Book Pdf
Why network automation is essential for modern network engineers
Like sysadmins before them, network engineers are finding that they cannot do their work manually anymore. As the field faces new protocols, technologies, delivery models, and a pressing need for businesses to be more agile and flexible, network automation is becoming essential. Network automation can help you:
Reduce human errors and improve consistency
Increase efficiency and productivity
Enhance scalability and reliability
Enable innovation and experimentation
Align with DevOps practices and principles
However, network automation also requires new skills and tools that may not be familiar to many network engineers. This is where this book comes in handy.
What you will learn from this book
This book covers the basic skills and tools you need to make the critical transition from manual to automated network operations. Through the course of the book, you will learn:
Python programming basics
Python is one of the most popular programming languages for network automation. It is easy to learn, powerful, and widely supported by many libraries and frameworks. In this book, you will learn the fundamentals of Python programming, such as data types, conditionals, loops, functions, classes, and modules.
Linux fundamentals
Linux is the operating system of choice for many network automation tools and platforms. It provides a rich set of commands and utilities that can help you manipulate files, processes, networks, and more. In this book, you will learn the basics of Linux administration and scripting that will provide the foundation you need on your network automation journey.
Data formats and models
Data formats and models are essential for representing and exchanging information between different systems and devices. In this book, you will learn how to use JSON, XML, YAML, and YANG for networking. These are common data formats and models that are used by many network automation tools and APIs.
Jinja templating
Jinja is a templating engine that allows you to create dynamic and reusable network device configurations using variables, expressions, filters, and loops. In this book, you will learn how to use Jinja to generate network configurations from templates and data sources.
Application programming interfaces (APIs)
APIs are interfaces that allow you to interact with different systems and devices programmatically. They can be used to retrieve, modify, or monitor data and state of network devices and services. In this book, you will learn how to use various types of APIs, such as RESTful, NETCONF, and gRPC, for network automation.
Source control with Git
Git is a version control system that allows you to track and manage changes to your code and configuration files. It is an essential tool for collaboration, backup, and rollback. In this book, you will learn how to use Git to store, share, and update your network automation code and files.
Ansible, Salt, and Stack Storm
Ansible, Salt, and Stack Storm are open source automation tools that can be used to automate network devices and workflows. They have different features and strengths, but they all share a common goal: to make network automation easier and faster. In this book, you will learn how to use these tools to automate various network tasks and scenarios.
Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline
A CI pipeline is a set of processes and tools that automate the testing and deployment of your code and configuration changes. It can help you ensure the quality and reliability of your network automation code and files. In this book, you will learn how to use key tools and technologies required for a CI pipeline in network operations, such as Jenkins, Docker, PyTest, and Robot Framework.
How to get the book
If you are interested in getting this book, you have several options and formats available. You can purchase the book from Amazon in paperback or Kindle format. You can also get the book from O'Reilly Media in PDF, EPUB, or MOBI format. Alternatively, you can access the book online through O'Reilly Learning Platform with a subscription or a free trial.
Conclusion
Network Programmability and Automation: Skills for the Next-Generation Network Engineer is a comprehensive and practical guide that will help you learn the essential skills and tools for network automation. Whether you are new to network automation or want to improve your existing skills, this book will provide you with valuable insights and examples that you can apply to your own network environment. By reading this book, you will be able to automate your network operations more efficiently and effectively.
FAQs
Who is this book for?
This book is for network engineers who want to learn how to automate their network systems using various technologies and tools. It is also for anyone who is interested in network automation and programmability.
What are the prerequisites for reading this book?
This book assumes that you have some basic knowledge of networking concepts and protocols. It also assumes that you have some familiarity with using a command-line interface (CLI) on Linux or Windows systems. However, you do not need any prior experience with programming or automation tools.
How long does it take to read this book?
This book has 584 pages and 15 chapters. The time it takes to read this book depends on your reading speed and level of interest. However, a rough estimate is that it would take about 20 hours to read this book from cover to cover.
Where can I find the code examples and files used in this book?
You can find the code examples and files used in this book on GitHub at https://github.com/network-automation/book-source-code. You can download or clone the repository to your local machine and follow along with the instructions in the book.
How can I contact the authors of this book?
You can contact the authors of this book through their Twitter accounts or websites:
Jason Edelman: @jedelman8 or https://jedelman.com/
Scott S. Lowe: @scott_lowe or https://blog.scottlowe.org/
Matt Oswalt: @Mierdin or https://keepingitclassless.net/
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