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Discussion on: What specifically should I learn for a career in DevOps (more explanation below)

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erikaheidi profile image
Erika Heidi

I'm gonna share a short list that might help you get started:

  • Linux: how filesystem permissions work (search for chmod), how to use package managers, networking, how to work with services (search systemctl), how to install a web server within common stacks such as LAMP / LEMP.

  • Virtual Machines: learn the difference between VMs and containers, and maybe try VirtualBox and Docker.

  • Automation: this is the most exciting part of devOps in my opinion. Once you get a hang of those Linux topics, you can go for a tool like Ansible (because it's the simpler) for configuration management / automation. You can use virtual machines with Vagrant to learn.

I hope that helps!

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alexantra profile image
Alex Antra

Ooooh thank you

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blanky0230 profile image
Thomas Blank

I think that is a very good starting point.

I'd like to throw in the classic phrase: "just build something" in here.

I think, when it comes to learn new tools, the best approach to become proficient is, using them.

So to translate your own advice into DevOps:

To give an example from my own world if someone wanted to become a Data Analyst, saying just learn SQL is not quite true, don't bother learning how to do ETL, don't bother with views, and don't try to tackle PLSQL until much later.

I'd say:

Don't bother with Kubernetes, ServiceMeshes, and/or learning various cloud-provider APIs, trying to get something to "auto-scale".

I'd say, read up on Linux, VMs (containers), and pick one of the various automation tools and use them to set up a little pet-project (just a little VM maybe). Try to explore them and continue with the one you've felt most comfortable with.

And most importantly - Have fun.