Network automation and scripting are essential skills for any network engineer who wants to stay relevant and efficient in the fast-changing IT landscape. But how do you keep your network automation skills updated and learn new technologies and techniques? Keep reading for some tips and resources that can help you achieve this goal.
Before you dive into the advanced topics of network automation and scripting, you need to have a solid foundation of the basic concepts and tools. For example, you should be familiar with the common network protocols, devices, and topologies, as well as the basics of Python, YAML, JSON, and XML. You should also learn how to use tools like Git, Ansible, NAPALM, Netmiko, and PyATS to automate common network tasks and workflows. These skills will help you understand the logic and syntax of network automation and scripting, and enable you to troubleshoot and debug your code.
When we say learn the basics we should start with the very basic tools first and try to get advanced proficiency. Examples include traditional Linux based network utility tools Nmap, tcpdump, cURL, traceroute, etc. Similarly, common tools like Wireshark, their filters and windows OS based tools as well. On top of these, learn network programming using all those languages stated above like Python, xml, JSON, yaml, etc. All the latest network automation tools have incorporated these tools at least somewhere and are built on top of these fundamentals. If we know the basics very well we are more equipped to automate and learn the newer technologies. Automation is essential and to better automate fundamentals goes a long way.
Network automation and scripting are constantly evolving as new technologies and techniques emerge. To keep up with the latest developments, you should follow the trends and best practices in the industry. Do this by reading blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and books from reputable sources and experts. You can also join online communities and forums where you can interact with other network engineers and learn from their experiences and insights. Some examples of these resources are Network to Code, Packet Pushers, DevNet, Network Collective, and r/networking on Reddit.
One of the best ways to improve your network automation and scripting skills is to practice and experiment with real-world scenarios and challenges. Do this by creating your own projects, participating in online courses and labs, or joining hackathons and competitions. These activities will help you apply your knowledge, test your skills, and learn from your mistakes. Also, use virtual or cloud-based environments to simulate different network configurations and conditions, and run your scripts and automation tools without affecting your production network.
Another way to keep your network automation and scripting skills updated and learn new technologies and techniques is to get feedback and mentorship from others. Ask for code reviews, suggestions, and tips from your peers, colleagues, or instructors. Find a mentor or a coach who can guide you, motivate you, and challenge you to grow as a network engineer. Try looking for mentors or coaches in your network, your workplace, or online platforms like MentorCruise or DevNet.
Finally, never stop being curious and eager to learn new things, as this will help you expand your horizons and discover new possibilities. Try taking online courses, certifications, or degrees that cover advanced or specialized topics of network automation and scripting. You can also explore other domains and disciplines that are relevant or complementary to network automation and scripting, such as cloud computing, security, data science, or machine learning.