DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to improve the software delivery process. DevOps engineers are in high demand as companies seek to improve their software delivery speed, quality, and reliability. This article will discuss the steps you can take to become a DevOps engineer.
- Learn programming languages such as Python, Ruby, and Bash.
- Gain expertise in cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
- Familiarize yourself with containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
- Learn about version control systems like Git.
- Develop skills in automation, including infrastructure as code and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD).
- Attend conferences and participate in online communities to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
- Take courses and earn certifications in DevOps methodologies, tools, and platforms.
- Join a company with a strong DevOps culture and learn from experienced DevOps engineers.
- Practice collaboration and communication skills, as DevOps requires close collaboration between development and operations teams.
- Build personal projects that showcase your DevOps skills and experience.
Here are five skills you can develop to become a DevOps Engineer.
#1 Learn Programming Languages
To become a DevOps engineer, you must have a strong foundation in programming languages like Python, Ruby, and Bash. These languages are commonly used in DevOps for tasks such as automation, scripting, and infrastructure as code.
Related article: How to learn coding? (a beginners guide)
#2 Git version control mastery
I would recommend you master the most popular version control system today, which is GIT. Git is a distributed version control system. Unlike other centralized version control systems, Git allows each developer to have a copy of the repository. This means developers can work independently on their local copies and merge their changes with the central repository. This approach offers more flexibility and faster development cycles since developers can work offline without worrying about network connections. The distributed model also makes recovering from accidental data loss easier since each developer has a complete repository copy.
Git’s branching and merging capabilities are another compelling feature. Branching allows developers to create separate lines of development, and changes made on one branch do not affect the other. This feature is handy when working on large projects with multiple developers, as it allows developers to work on different features or bug fixes without interfering with each other’s work. Merging, however, will enable developers to combine changes made on different branches into one. Git makes merging easy since it can automatically detect and resolve conflicts that may arise during the merge process.
Related: Git Basics Guide – 10 things you should learn in Git
#3 Gain Expertise in one or more Cloud Computing Platform(s)
Cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform are essential in DevOps. As a DevOps engineer, you must know how to deploy, manage, and scale applications in the cloud. Therefore, gaining expertise in one or more cloud computing platforms is essential. Here is a list of popular Cloud service providers.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- IBM Cloud
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)
- Alibaba Cloud
- DigitalOcean
- VMware
- Rackspace
- Salesforce
#4 Develop Skills in Automation
Automation is a critical component of DevOps. As a DevOps engineer, you must develop skills in infrastructure as code, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and configuration management tools like Puppet and Chef. These skills will enable you to automate the software delivery process.
#5 Communication and collaboration skills
Effective communication and collaboration are essential skills in any workplace or team setting. These skills allow individuals to work together efficiently and productively, leading to the successful completion of projects and goals.
Communication Skills
Communication skills involve the exchange of information between individuals or groups. Effective communication consists in speaking and writing clearly and actively listening to others. Good communication skills include expressing oneself clearly, concisely, and professionally, both verbally and in writing. It also involves being able to understand and interpret the messages of others and respond appropriately.
Collaboration Skills
Collaboration skills refer to working effectively with others towards a common goal. This involves sharing ideas, compromising, and working towards a solution that benefits the team. Practical collaboration skills include building relationships, respecting others, and working towards a shared vision.
Conclusion
Becoming a DevOps engineer requires a combination of technical and soft skills. To become a DevOps engineer, you need to learn programming languages, gain expertise in cloud computing platforms, and develop skills in automation. Additionally, attending conferences, taking courses, and building personal projects can help you stay up-to-date with DevOps’s latest trends and technologies. Finally, practising collaboration and communication skills is critical as DevOps requires close collaboration between development and operations teams.