Why Python is Your Best Friend in DevOps (And Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It!)

Python is more than just a popular programming language—it’s a DevOps superhero. Whether you’re an MLOps engineer, a DevSecOps expert, or a platform engineer, Python’s versatility makes it a crucial tool in your toolkit. In this blog, we'll explore why Python is so essential for DevOps professionals and how mastering it can help you succeed.

1. Why Python? Because Automation is Life!

As a DevOps engineer, your primary job is to automate. Sure, tools like Ansible, Kubernetes, and Terraform cover most automation needs, but there’s always a gap that only Python can fill. Python is the glue that connects various components, providing custom scripts where automation tools fall short. Need to write a Lambda function for AWS? Want to create a custom backup script? Python’s simple syntax and extensive libraries make it your go-to language.

2. Python Powers the AI in MLOps and AIOps

If you're in MLOps or AIOps, Python isn’t just a bonus skill; it’s a necessity. With most ML and AI tools built on Python, understanding its basics allows you to interact seamlessly with machine learning frameworks, train models, and automate workflows. It’s the same in AI Operations (AIOps), where Python is often used to automate anomaly detection, incident response, and performance monitoring. Whether you’re tuning AI models or managing data pipelines, Python keeps things running smoothly.

3. Scripting, Not Web Development

You don’t need to be a Python guru or a web developer to thrive in DevOps. You’re not building web applications—you’re scripting to solve operational problems. Python for DevOps is all about writing quick, effective scripts to automate repetitive tasks. Forget about complex object-oriented programming; focus on scripting basics like loops, conditionals, and functions. Python’s beauty is in its simplicity, which is perfect for ops roles where efficiency and speed are key.

4. Python in DevOps Interviews: Be Prepared

Python is also a frequent topic in DevOps interviews. However, the expectations differ from what’s required for development roles. DevOps interviews focus more on your scripting ability and how you use Python to automate tasks. If you’re aiming for top tech companies (like the FANGs), be prepared for a dedicated programming round, where Python is often the language of choice. Even if you don’t write the perfect solution, demonstrating your problem-solving approach and logical thinking can make all the difference.

5. Python is the RealOps Language

At the School of DevOps, we emphasize the importance of Python through the RealOps Framework, which integrates Python into real-world DevOps use cases. It’s not just about learning Python; it’s about applying it to create tangible outcomes. Think of Python as your Swiss Army knife in DevOps—capable of doing many things, but best used for targeted automation, integrations, and scripting.

If you’re serious about boosting your DevOps skills, mastering Python is non-negotiable. Start small, focus on scripting, and gradually move into automation tools and ML frameworks. It’s the best way to ensure you’re prepared for any DevOps challenge.

Python Learning Resources

• Official Python Tutorials : The Python Tutorial

• Think Python ( Free eBook) 3rd Edition  :Think Python — Think Python

• Available with Jupyter Notebooks  2nd Edition : Think Python

• Python for Devops Article by Devops Cube : Python For DevOps: Guide for DevOps Engineers

• Python Resources: FAANG-Coding-Interview-Questions/PythonResources.md at main · ombharatiya/FAANG-Coding-Interview-Questions

Python for Systems Administrators: 

https://python-for-system-administrators.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

Python for Network Engineers 

https://pyneng.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html

• Working with Network Devices : https://pyneng.readthedocs.io/en/latest/book/Part_V.html

• Pexpect: https://pyneng.readthedocs.io/en/latest/book/18_ssh_telnet/pexpect.html

• Paramiko: https://pyneng.readthedocs.io/en/latest/book/18_ssh_telnet/paramiko.html

• Netmiko: https://pyneng.readthedocs.io/en/latest/book/18_ssh_telnet/netmiko.html

• Database Operations: https://pyneng.readthedocs.io/en/latest/book/25_db/index.html

• Code Examples :natenka/pyneng-examples: Python code examples for Network Engineers

The Big Book of Small Python Projects: The Big Book of Small Python Projects

Harvard’s Python Course on eDX : HarvardX: CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python

MIT’s Python Course: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-0001-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-in-python-fall-2016/pages/syllabus/

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Google’s Python Course: Google's Python Class  |  Python Education  |  Google for Developers

• Good Course with Python Essentials + OS Module, Commands, Subprocesses,  Printing, Utilities, URLlibs , Files

Microsoft’s Course on Python: Build real world applications with Python - Training

Courses 

• Ace Python Interviews (Free Course) by Reuven Learner : Ace Python Interviews

• FreeCodeCamp Python Course : Python for Beginners – Full Course [Programming Tutorial]

GitHub Resources 

• 30 Days of Python: Asabeneh/30-Days-Of-Python: 30 days of Python programming challenge is a step-by-step guide to learn the Python programming language in 30 days. This challenge may take more than100 days, follow your own pace.  These videos may help too: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7PNRuno1rzYPb1xLa4yktw

• FAANG Coding Interview Questions: ombharatiya/FAANG-Coding-Interview-Questions: A curated List of Coding Questions Asked in FAANG Interview

Ready to launch or upscale your career with DevOps? Join my upcoming webinar, where we'll dive into our RealOps Framework to help you build careers in Ops including DevOps, CloudOps, DevSecOps, MLOps, and more. Don't miss it!

PS:

"If you think Python is just a snake, wait till you meet its bite in DevOps interviews. 🐍 See you at the webinar!"