Network Programmability and Automation; Skills for the Next-Generation Network Engineer 2nd Edition

Network engineers are increasingly finding it difficult to rely on manual processes alone due to evolving protocols, technologies, delivery models, and the need for businesses to be more agile and adaptable. As a result, network automation has become a necessity. The updated second edition of this practical guide demonstrates how network engineers can leverage a variety of tools and technologies, including Linux, Python, APIs, and Git, to automate systems using code. This new edition also covers fresh topics such as network development environments, cloud technologies, Go programming, and a reference network automation architecture.

Network Programmability and Automation will teach you how to automate the tasks involved in configuring, managing, and operating network devices, topologies, services, and connectivity. Throughout the book, you'll gain essential skills and tools to navigate this critical transition.

Key learning areas include:

• Programming with Python and Go: covering data types, conditionals, loops, functions, and more
• Leveraging Linux-based networking technologies and cloud-native environments to create development environments for network projects
• Working with data formats and models such as JSON, XML, YAML, Protobuf, and YANG
• Using Jinja templating to generate network device configurations
• A comprehensive approach to designing network automation services
• The role of APIs in network automation
• Using Git for source control to manage code changes throughout the automation process
• Exploring cloud-native technologies like Docker and Kubernetes
• Automating network devices and services with tools such as Ansible, Nornir, and Terraform
• Implementing tools and technologies for continuous development and integration of network automation