What are the best practices for writing and testing network scripts?

1 Choose the right scripting language

The first step to writing network scripts is to choose the right scripting language for your needs and preferences. There are many scripting languages available for network administration, such as Python, PowerShell, Bash, Perl, and Ruby. Each language has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as syntax, libraries, compatibility, performance, and learning curve. You should consider factors such as the type and size of your network, the level of automation you want to achieve, the platforms and devices you want to interact with, and the skills and experience you have with scripting languages. You should also look for scripting languages that support common network protocols and standards, such as SNMP, SSH, Telnet, REST, and NETCONF.

2 Use a code editor or IDE

A code editor or integrated development environment (IDE) is a software application that helps you write, edit, debug, and run network scripts. A code editor or IDE can provide features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, error checking, formatting, debugging, and testing tools. These features can help you write network scripts more quickly, accurately, and consistently. Some examples of code editors or IDEs for network scripting are Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, Sublime Text, Notepad++, and Atom. You should choose a code editor or IDE that supports the scripting language you use and the network devices you want to connect to.

3 Follow coding standards and conventions

Coding standards and conventions are guidelines that help you write network scripts that are readable, maintainable, and consistent. Coding standards and conventions can cover aspects such as naming, indentation, comments, documentation, structure, and style. Following coding standards and conventions can help you avoid errors, improve readability, enhance collaboration, and simplify debugging. You can use existing coding standards and conventions for your scripting language or create your own based on your preferences and needs. You should also use a code formatter or linter to check and enforce coding standards and conventions in your network scripts.

4 Test your network scripts in a safe environment

Testing your network scripts is essential to ensure they work as expected and do not cause any unwanted or harmful effects on your network. Testing your network scripts in a safe environment means using a separate or isolated network that mimics your production network as closely as possible. This way, you can avoid affecting your network performance, availability, security, or compliance while testing your network scripts. You can use tools such as virtual machines, containers, network simulators, or emulators to create a safe testing environment for your network scripts. You should also use testing frameworks or tools that can help you automate and verify your network script tests.

5 Use version control and backup systems

Version control and backup systems are systems that help you manage and store different versions of your network scripts and other files. Version control and backup systems can help you track changes, compare versions, revert to previous versions, and recover from errors or disasters. Version control and backup systems can also help you collaborate with other network administrators, share and synchronize network scripts, and enforce access and security policies. You should use version control and backup systems that support the scripting language you use and the network devices you want to connect to. Some examples of version control and backup systems for network scripting are Git, SVN, Mercurial, and RANCID.

6 Review and update your network scripts regularly

Reviewing and updating your network scripts regularly is a best practice that can help you maintain and improve your network scripts over time. Reviewing and updating your network scripts can help you fix bugs, optimize performance, enhance security, add features, and adapt to changes in your network. You should review and update your network scripts based on feedback, results, and requirements. You should also document and communicate your network script changes to other network administrators and stakeholders. You should also test your network script updates in a safe environment before deploying them to your production network.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?