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

by Jason Edelman

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 tools—including Linux, Python, JSON, and XML—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, you’ll learn the basic skills and tools you need to make this critical transition.

This book

Python programming data types, conditionals, loops, functions, classes, and modulesLinux fundamentals to provide the foundation you need on your network automation journeyData formats and JSON, XML, YAML, and YANG for networkingJinja templating and its applicability for creating network device configurationsThe role of application programming interfaces (APIs) in network automationSource control with Git to manage code changes during the automation processHow Ansible, Salt, and StackStorm open source automation tools can be used to automate network devicesKey tools and technologies required for a Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline in network operations

Genres: Technical, Technology, Nonfiction, Programming

586 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2016

Reviews

[Laura Alonso]

Really good intro to Python, Git, Templating (Jinja), and Ansible. It also goes over other tools (Salt, NAPALM,etc.) but those weren't my interest at the time I read it.

It's targeting Beginners to Intermediate so overall excellent intro textbook. If that is below your skill level this book still makes for a really good reference material.

[Scott Rhoades]

Clear concise information

[Christopher Tang]

Best companion book for Cisco DEVASC 200-901 OCG.

[TechVision]

David Bombal:
- Great overview of general network automation topics (Python, GIT, Ansible, SDN, etc)