Prerequisites for Cloud Engineering
Technical Foundation Requirements
- What you Need to Know
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Networking Fundamentals
- Understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS protocols
- Network routing, subnetting, and CIDR notation
- Load balancing concepts and network security basics
- Resources:
- CompTIA Network+ Course - Professor Messer - Comprehensive networking fundamentals
- Networking Fundamentals - Cisco Networking Academy - Free comprehensive networking course
- Computer Networking Course - Khan Academy - Interactive networking basics
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Linux System Administration
- Command line proficiency and shell scripting
- File systems, permissions, and process management
- System monitoring, logging, and troubleshooting
- Resources:
- Linux Journey - Interactive Linux learning platform with hands-on exercises
- Linux Command Line Basics - Ubuntu - Comprehensive Linux tutorial for beginners
- Linux System Administration - Red Hat - Professional Linux administration course (free materials available)
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Programming and Scripting
- Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, Go, or JavaScript recommended)
- Understanding of APIs, JSON, and data structures
- Version control with Git and collaborative development
- Resources:
- Python for Everybody - Coursera - University of Michigan (Free audit)
- Go Tour - Go Language - Interactive Go language tutorial
- Git Tutorial - Atlassian - Comprehensive Git guide
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Cloud Platform Fundamentals
- What you Need to Know
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Cloud Computing Concepts
- Understanding of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS service models
- Public, private, and hybrid cloud deployment models
- Cloud economics, pricing models, and cost optimization
- Resources:
- Cloud Computing Fundamentals - AWS - Cloud computing concepts and terminology
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals - Free Azure fundamentals learning path
- Google Cloud Digital Leader - Cloud concepts and business value
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Multi-Cloud Platform Basics
- AWS core services (EC2, S3, VPC, IAM)
- Azure core services (Virtual Machines, Storage, Virtual Networks, Active Directory)
- GCP core services (Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, VPC, Cloud IAM)
- Resources:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials - Free AWS fundamentals course
- Azure Fundamentals Learning Path - Complete Azure basics
- Google Cloud Fundamentals - GCP core concepts and services
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Development and Operations Knowledge
- What you Need to Know
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Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
- Understanding of development methodologies (Agile, DevOps)
- CI/CD concepts and pipeline fundamentals
- Testing strategies and quality assurance practices
- Resources:
- DevOps Fundamentals - Atlassian - DevOps concepts and practices
- CI/CD Pipeline Tutorial - GitLab - Introduction to GitLab CI/CD
- Agile Methodology - Atlassian - Agile development practices
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Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Understanding of declarative vs imperative infrastructure
- Configuration management concepts
- Infrastructure automation and version control
- Resources:
- What is Infrastructure as Code? - AWS - IaC concepts and benefits
- Terraform Documentation - Official HashiCorp Terraform documentation
- Infrastructure as Code Guide - Red Hat - IaC principles and implementation
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Containerization Fundamentals
- Docker concepts and container lifecycle
- Container orchestration basics
- Microservices architecture principles
- Resources:
- Docker Get Started Guide - Official Docker tutorial for beginners
- Kubernetes Basics - Official Kubernetes tutorial
- Microservices Architecture - Martin Fowler - Microservices design principles
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Security and Compliance Fundamentals
- What you Need to Know
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Cybersecurity Basics
- Security principles (CIA triad, defense in depth)
- Identity and access management concepts
- Encryption, certificates, and secure communications
- Resources:
- CompTIA Security+ Training - Professor Messer - Comprehensive security fundamentals
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework - Industry-standard security framework
- OWASP Security Guide - Web application security fundamentals
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Cloud Security Concepts
- Shared responsibility model understanding
- Cloud-native security services and tools
- Compliance frameworks and regulations
- Resources:
- AWS Security Best Practices - Cloud security fundamentals
- Azure Security Documentation - Azure security concepts and implementation
- Google Cloud Security - GCP security principles and services
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Business and Communication Skills
- What you Need to Know
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Business Acumen
- Understanding of business metrics and KPIs
- Cost optimization and financial management
- Project management and stakeholder communication
- Resources:
- Business Strategy Fundamentals - Coursera - University of Virginia business strategy course (Free audit)
- Project Management Basics - Google - Google Career Certificate (Free audit available)
- Financial Literacy for IT - edX - Business finance understanding
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Technical Communication
- Technical documentation and writing skills
- Presentation and stakeholder communication
- Cross-functional collaboration abilities
- Resources:
- Technical Writing Course - Google - Free comprehensive technical writing course
- Business Communication - Coursera - University of Pennsylvania (Free audit)
- Presentation Skills - TED Talks - Professional presentation techniques
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Assessment and Readiness Check
- What you Need to Know
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Technical Skills Validation
- Deploy and manage virtual machines across cloud platforms
- Create and manage basic networking configurations
- Write scripts for automation and infrastructure management
- Understand security best practices and implementation
- Resources:
- AWS Free Tier - Hands-on practice with AWS services
- Azure Free Account - Practice environment for Azure services
- Google Cloud Free Tier - GCP hands-on learning environment
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Professional Skills Assessment
- Communicate technical concepts to business stakeholders
- Collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams
- Manage projects and deliver results on time
- Adapt to rapidly changing technology landscapes
- Resources:
- Cloud Engineering Communities - Reddit - Professional networking and learning
- Stack Overflow - Technical problem-solving community
- GitHub - Portfolio development and collaboration platform
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Personalized Learning Pathways
- What you Need to Know
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For Software Developers
- Focus on cloud-native development and containerization (4-6 weeks)
- Emphasize CI/CD, microservices, and serverless architectures
- Build expertise in infrastructure as code and automation
- Resources:
- Cloud Native Computing Foundation - Cloud-native technology training
- Twelve-Factor App Methodology - Cloud-native application design principles
- Serverless Framework Documentation - Serverless application development
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For System Administrators
- Transition from on-premises to cloud infrastructure (6-8 weeks)
- Focus on infrastructure automation and monitoring
- Develop multi-cloud management and security skills
- Resources:
- Linux to Cloud Migration Guide - Red Hat - Infrastructure modernization strategies
- Infrastructure Automation - Ansible - Configuration management and automation
- Cloud Monitoring Best Practices - Infrastructure monitoring strategies
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For Complete Beginners
- Complete foundational learning in networking and Linux (8-12 weeks)
- Build programming skills with focus on automation
- Gradual introduction to cloud concepts and services
- Resources:
- Computer Science Fundamentals - Khan Academy - Computer science basics
- Programming Fundamentals - freeCodeCamp - Comprehensive programming curriculum
- IT Career Roadmap - CompTIA - Structured IT learning pathway
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Ready to Begin? Once you've completed these prerequisites, start with Module 1: Cloud Fundamentals to begin your Cloud Engineering journey.