Network Programmability and Automation: Skills for the Next-Generation Network Engineer

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. This practical guide shows network engineers how to use a range of technologies and toolsâ??including Linux, Python, JSON, and XMLâ??to automate their systems through code.

Network programming and automation will help you simplify tasks involved in configuring, managing, and operating network equipment, topologies, services, and connectivity. Through the course of the book, youâ??ll learn the basic skills and tools you need to make this critical transition.

This book covers:

• Python programming basics: data types, conditionals, loops, functions, classes, and modules
• Linux fundamentals to provide the foundation you need on your network automation journey
• Data formats and models: JSON, XML, YAML, and YANG for networking
• Jinja templating and its applicability for creating network device configurations
• The role of application programming interfaces (APIs) in network automation
• Source control with Git to manage code changes during the automation process
• How Ansible, Salt, and StackStorm open source automation tools can be used to automate network devices
• Key tools and technologies required for a Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline in network operations

Jason Edelman, CCIE 15394 & VCDX-NV 167, is a born and bred network engineer from the great state of New Jersey. He was the typical “lover of the CLI” or “router jockey.” At some point several years ago, he made the decision to focus more on software, development practices, and how they are converging with network engineering. Jason currently runs a boutique consulting firm, Network to Code, helping vendors and end users take advantage of new tools and technologies to reduce their operational inefficiencies. Jason has a Bachelor’s of Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in NJ and still resides locally in the NYC Metro Area. Jason also writes regularly on his personal blog at jedelman.com and can be found on Twitter at @jedelman8.

Scott Lowe is an engineering architect at VMware, Inc. He currently focuses on cloud computing and network virtualization after having spent a number of years specializing in compute virtualization. Scott has authored a number of technical books on vSphere and OpenStack, and shares technical content regularly on his blog at http://blog.scottlowe.org. He lives in Denver, CO, with his wife and the two youngest of their seven kids.

Matt Oswalt is a Network Software Developer, working on the technical and non-technical challenges at the intersection of software development and network infrastructure. He is at his happiest in front of a keyboard, next to a brewing kettle, or wielding his silo-smashing sledgehammer. He publishes his work in this area and more at keepingitclassless.net, and on Twitter as @Mierdin.