DevOps is one of the easiest cultures to learn and adapt to. This has gained an advantage over the entire globe, and as a result of the shift in global dynamics, the entire world is on the verge of revolution. So, if you’ve finally made up your mind on DevOps, why delay? It’s preferable to get started straight away.
In this article, you will be provided a satisfactory knowledge about how to take on DevOps culture. Moreover, we will arm you with all the information before you look forward to becoming a professional. Therefore, in order to make yourself familiar with DevOps, let us take a deep dive into this article and start with an introduction.
What is DevOps?
DevOps is a set of practices, tools, and cultural philosophies that combine software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to enable organizations to deliver applications and services faster, with better quality and reliability. It involves breaking down silos between development and operations teams, fostering collaboration and communication, and using automation and monitoring to improve the delivery and operation of software.
In traditional software development approaches, development and operations teams work separately, which can lead to communication gaps, slower releases, and decreased quality. DevOps bridges this gap by encouraging developers and operations teams to work together throughout the software development lifecycle, from planning and development to testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.
DevOps practices include continuous integration and continuous delivery/deployment (CI/CD), infrastructure as code (IaC), monitoring and logging, and agile methodologies. By adopting DevOps, organizations can achieve faster time to market, increased efficiency, and improved collaboration between teams, resulting in better software quality and a more responsive IT organization.
You can also explore about Reduce Cost and Increase Efficiency with DevOps.
Prerequisites of learning DevOps:
DevOps is a combination of software development and IT operations practices, tools, and culture that enables organizations to deliver software and services at high velocity. To learn DevOps, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the following:
- Programming languages: DevOps involves automation and scripting, which requires knowledge of at least one programming language such as Python, Ruby, or Java.
- Operating Systems: A basic understanding of the operating system such as Linux or Windows will be useful as DevOps engineers work closely with operating systems.
- Version Control Systems: Version control systems like Git, SVN are essential for managing changes in codebase, hence a basic understanding of version control systems is required.
- Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is an integral part of DevOps, and a basic understanding of cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP is essential.
- Networking: Understanding of networking concepts like DNS, TCP/IP, Load Balancing, Routing is useful as DevOps engineers need to work with networks.
- Infrastructure as code (IaC): Infrastructure as code is a core DevOps concept, and it involves automating infrastructure management using code. A basic understanding of Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform and CloudFormation is essential.
- Containers: Containerization with tools like Docker is an essential part of DevOps. A basic understanding of containers is necessary.
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): DevOps heavily relies on CI/CD practices for delivering software faster, hence an understanding of CI/CD concepts and tools such as Jenkins, GitLab, and TravisCI is essential.
Who is a DevOps Engineer?
A DevOps Engineer is an IT professional who combines knowledge of software development with IT operations expertise to design, implement, and manage the infrastructure and tools that support the software development and delivery process.
The role of a DevOps Engineer is to bridge the gap between development and operations teams by automating and streamlining the software delivery pipeline. They are responsible for designing and implementing continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, deploying and maintaining infrastructure, monitoring and troubleshooting systems, and ensuring high availability and scalability of software applications.
DevOps Engineers are also responsible for implementing and managing infrastructure as code (IaC) tools, such as Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible, to automate infrastructure management tasks. They work closely with developers, quality assurance teams, and operations teams to ensure that software releases are efficient, reliable, and scalable.
Now that you are familiar with DevOps, its time we move ahead and collect prerequisites to become a DevOps Engineer.
Prerequisites of a DevOps Engineer:
To become a DevOps Engineer, one typically needs a strong foundation in software development, IT operations, and cloud computing. A background in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Ruby is also helpful, as is experienced with operating systems, containerization tools such as Docker and Kubernetes, and CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and TravisCI. Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams are also essential for success in this role. The following are some of the prerequisites:
1. Containers
Containers are one of the most required skills for a DevOps engineer to have it in their profile. It allows developers to generate applications and install them on servers from a laptop. Containers have become one of the vital practices in advances in DevOps technology due to the ability to impart an accurate and directed environment to build within.
2. Grasping programming languages
To become a DevOps Engineer, you must have a hold over some of the programming languages such as Java, Perl, and Python. It ensures the DevOps Engineer to handle the development team efficiently. Doing so brings a level of uniformity in application installation, configuration, and validation. A great DevOps engineer should also be good at scripting so s/he must be able to write codes to automate repeatedly.
3. DevOps Training and Certification
This is one of the most crucial and important qualifications to become a DevOps engineer. It provides an effective way to learn various processes of DevOps such as – basics, DevOps tools, lifecycle, workflow, and other processes. Moreover, the certification makes it beneficial as it upgrades skills as well as enhances your capacity to make your business flourish.
4. Knowledge of Automation Tools
It has become compulsory to have a good hold over automation tools and techniques so to say that nowadays everything has become automated. The DevOps engineer must know how to handle automation processes at different levels of development, testing and operation.
Furthermore, you must have a distinct knowledge of Jenkins, Bamboo, Hudson Thought Works, and other tools to move efficiently in your work.
5. Excellent Collaboration
Excellent collaboration and communication skills are the two personal skills that helps you become an efficient DevOps Engineer. DevOps targets collaborative support services. Good communication skills avoids any misinterpretation and it helps in agile functioning. By becoming adaptable, DevOps engineers are able to access to new jobs briskly and share their skills in various areas when required.
6. Logical Attitude
To become a successful DevOps Engineer, you must have good reasoning and a comprehensive outlook. As it is crucial in managing the role of a DevOps engineer comprehensively it might be necessary for you to take certain immediate decisions for smooth functioning. In other words, excellent leadership qualities equipped with super communicational and professional skills lead to success.
7. Passion
Well, passion is required in every aspect of the career paths that you follow. It is the ultimate key to solve any trouble in becoming successful. If you are passionate about your work, you will definitely be able to seek glory. It shouldn’t be overlooked as it is the chief Prerequisite in the world of digital clouds and Coding.
This brings us to the end to the first half of the article on Pre-Requisites. But now what’s also important is to know how to become a DevOps Engineer? So, let’s start.
How to become a DevOps professional?
To become a DevOps professional, you will need to develop a set of technical and soft skills that will enable you to design, deploy, and manage the infrastructure and tools required to support the DevOps process. Here are some steps you can take to become a DevOps professional:
- Develop foundational skills: Begin by learning the fundamentals of software development and IT operations. This includes understanding programming languages such as Python, Java, or Ruby, operating systems, and networking concepts.
- Learn cloud computing: Cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are central to DevOps. Develop a solid understanding of cloud computing principles and learn how to use these platforms to deploy, manage, and scale applications.
- Learn automation and scripting: Automation is critical to the DevOps process, and DevOps professionals should be proficient in automation and scripting tools like Ansible, Chef, and Puppet. Learn how to use these tools to automate repetitive tasks and build infrastructure as code.
- Master CI/CD: Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) is a cornerstone of the DevOps process. Learn how to use CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and TravisCI to automate the software delivery pipeline and deploy code changes quickly and safely.
- Gain experience with containerization: Containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes are widely used in DevOps. Learn how to use these tools to create, deploy, and manage containers and containerized applications.
- Develop soft skills: DevOps is a collaborative process that requires effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Develop your ability to work in cross-functional teams, communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and adapt to changing requirements.
- Seek certification: Industry-standard certifications such as Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, and Red Hat Certified Engineer in DevOps can demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.
- Gain practical experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in DevOps by working on open-source projects, contributing to GitHub repositories, participating in hackathons, and seeking internships or entry-level roles in DevOps.
Further, there are top-notch certification exams that you must take to become the DevOps professional. There are various certifications involved in the DevOps processes based on your skills and your choice of interest.
To say, you can get certifications in Microsoft or maybe Google as per your interest and ability. Here are the exam details of some of the DevOps certifications that you may choose in order to get more opportunities and get higher paid jobs. These are as follows-
1. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional (DOP-C01)
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional requires knowledge of operating, provisioning, and managing distributed systems and applications in order to work efficiently on the AWS platform. The certification helps you manage continuous delivery systems and AWS methodologies. Moreover, it also ensures security controls, governance processes, and compliance validation.
Who should take the exam?
- Firstly, candidates who have at least two or more years of experience in provisioning, operating and managing AWS environments.
- Subsequently, candidates who have the experience to develop code in at least one high- level programming language.
- Also, candidates who are able to build highly automated infrastructures and administering operating systems.
- Lastly, candidates having an understanding of modern development and operations processes and methodologies.
Course outline
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional exam includes the following 6 domains
- First Domain: SDLC Automation (22%)
- Second Domain: Configuration Management and Infrastructure as Code (19%)
- Third Domain: Monitoring and Logging (15%)
- Fourth Domain: Policies and Standards Automation (10%)
- Fifth Domain: Incident and Event Response (18%)
- Sixth Domain: High Availability, Fault Tolerance, and Disaster Recovery (16%)
2. Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions (AZ-400) Exam
Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions AZ-400 exam is designed for the professionals who are already certified as Azure Developer Associate or Azure Administrator Associate. The exam determines the ability of the candidate to design a DevOps strategy and implement – DevOps development processes; dependency management; application infrastructure; and continuous integration, delivery, and feedback.
Who should take the AZ-400 Exam?
Microsoft Azure DevOps Solution AZ-400 exam is suitable for:
- Candidates who can combine people, processes, and technologies and continue to deliver valuable products and services that are able to meet end-user needs and fulfill business objectives.
- Moreover, candidates must be familiar with both Azure administration and Azure development
- Candidates who have the ability to design and implement DevOps practices for version control, compliance, infrastructure as code, configuration management, build, release, and testing by using Azure technologies.
Check out the AZ-400 Study Guide for quick Exam preparation!
AZ-400 Exam Course outline
AZ-400 Exam updates in the course outline as on July 13, 2022.
The AZ-400 exam topics include:
- Configure processes and communications (10—15%)
- Design and implement source control (15—20%)
- Design and implement build and release pipelines (40—45%)
- Develop a security and compliance plan (10—15%)
- Implement an instrumentation strategy (10—15%)
3. Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer(GCP) Exam
Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer (GCP) exam is designed to test the candidate’s technical skills required in the job. Candidates who want to prepare for the exam should have hands-on experience. The candidates must have the ability in –
- Firstly, by applying site reliability engineering principles to a service
- Secondly, by optimizing service performance
- Then, by implementing service monitoring strategies
- Also, by building and implementing CI/CD pipelines for a service
- Lastly, by managing service incidents
Who should take the exam?
- Candidates should be efficient development operations that can keep a balance between service reliability and delivery speed
- Secondly, candidates should be proficient in Google Cloud skills to build software delivery pipelines, deploy and monitor services
Course outline
Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer (GCP) Exam includes the following domains
- First Domain: apply site reliability engineering principles to a service
- Second Domain: Building and implementing CI/CD pipelines for a service
- Third Domain: Implementing service monitoring strategies
- Fourth Domain: Optimizing service performance
- Fifth Domain: Managing service incident
Take a step and add flavors to your profile as this is the right time to hit the target. Now is the time to add skills to your personality and upgrade yourself with theses demanding technologies.
Preparation Guide to become a DevOps Professional
There are various learning resources both available online as well as offline which will help you prepare better and would enhance your knowledge and also will guide your journey to the end. Moreover, these resources will help you solve your queries faster. Here are some of the learning resources provided by us which are as follows-
Learning Resource 1- Tutorials
While preparing for the exam you must go through the tutorial available online that will enhance your learning process. These tutorials provide point modules that are necessary for smart learning. Some of the advantages of tutorials are that they make access to learning based on your convenience. Isn’t this cool? Who offers you that? So the moment you are able to find the time, give these tutorials a glance for better learning
Learning Resource 2 -Forums and Study Groups
This is not a mandatory step to your preparation. In other words, this step of joining any study group or forum is entirely your choice. At any point, if you feel like preparing using this resource you can join any study group. But this can also be a boon to your preparation. Study in groups will increase your connectivity with others who are also going through the same journey as yours. You can always ask questions and solve your queries related to the topic you’re having difficulty with. Moreover, it will help you cover vast areas of study and will ensure a better understanding of the concepts.
Learning resource 3– Reference Books
As you know that books have remained a satisfying learning resource without any distraction. Not to mention, books provide you leisure learning. So there are several referral books available both online and offline whichever ways you prefer. Also, books can make your work easy by marking out the specific important areas that you can look at during the end time revisions. here are some of the referred books that will help you in your learning-
- Firstly, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: Exam: DOP-c01
- Secondly, Exam AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions 30+ Prep Questions
- Lastly, Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect: Introducing Google Cloud
Learning Resource 4 – Practice sets/Mock tests
For exams, practice sets of questions can be used for better preparation. Websites that provide practice or mock tests, analyze your skills and knowledge. Self-evaluation is the only way you can test yourself and can determine where you stand. So, go through as many practices or mock tests as possible to have an idea of the set of questions and the way you can answer them. So, START PRACTICING NOW!
Expert’s corner
To conclude, the above-mentioned article might prove to be essential for you to begin something afresh. The article has enlisted down some of the paths to enter into the DevOps culture through which you can keep a firm foot in the IT industry.
It is pretty much clear from the article that the DevOps is not a software or a tool but rather a culture that can add flavors to your personality just like the cherry on the cake. Moreover, it will help you fetch good jobs with high pay. All you need to do is, outline your requirements for pursuing DevOps certification exams that fit you. Therefore, it is important for you to make a choice as per your interest and get ahead to become a DevOps professional.
Stand out from the crowd with advanced learning skills and expert tutorials on DevOps. Prepare and become a Certified DevOps Professional Now!
