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Prerequisites for DevOps Engineering

Technical Foundation Requirements​

  • What you Need to Know

Networking and Infrastructure Knowledge​

Development and Operations Understanding​

Soft Skills and Mindset Requirements​

Tools and Technology Familiarity​

Mathematical and Analytical Skills​

Assessment Checklist​

Before starting the DevOps Engineering learning path, ensure you can:

Programming and Technical Skills Checklist​

  • Write basic scripts in at least one programming language (Python, JavaScript, or Bash)
  • Navigate Linux command line and perform basic system administration tasks
  • Use Git for version control, including branching and merging
  • Understand basic networking concepts and troubleshoot connectivity issues
  • Set up and configure basic web servers and databases

Development and Operations Knowledge Checklist​

  • Understand software development lifecycle and agile methodologies
  • Explain the difference between development, staging, and production environments
  • Describe basic testing concepts and quality assurance processes
  • Understand infrastructure concepts including servers, networks, and storage
  • Explain monitoring and logging concepts for applications and systems

Cloud and Infrastructure Skills Checklist​

  • Navigate cloud provider interfaces (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
  • Create and manage virtual machines in cloud environments
  • Understand cloud pricing models and resource optimization
  • Use command-line interfaces for cloud platforms
  • Explain containerization concepts and basic Docker usage

Collaboration and Communication Skills Checklist​

  • Work effectively in cross-functional teams
  • Communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Document processes and procedures clearly
  • Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback
  • Troubleshoot problems systematically and ask for help when needed

Learning and Adaptability Checklist​

  • Demonstrate willingness to learn new technologies and tools
  • Adapt to changing requirements and priorities
  • Research solutions independently using documentation and online resources
  • Apply feedback and continuously improve processes
  • Understand DevOps culture and collaboration principles

Getting Started Recommendations​

If You're Missing Prerequisites​

Limited Programming Experience:

  1. Complete Python for Everybody - Coursera - University of Michigan (Free audit)
  2. Practice Bash Scripting - Linux Config
  3. Learn Git Basics - Atlassian
  4. Timeline: 8-12 weeks of dedicated study

Weak Linux/System Administration Skills:

  1. Complete Linux Journey - Interactive Linux learning
  2. Study Linux Command Line - William Shotts
  3. Practice Server Administration - DigitalOcean
  4. Timeline: 6-10 weeks of hands-on practice

No Cloud Experience:

  1. Take AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials
  2. Complete Azure Fundamentals
  3. Practice Google Cloud Basics
  4. Timeline: 4-6 weeks of cloud platform exploration

Limited Development Background:

  1. Learn Software Development Lifecycle - Atlassian
  2. Understand Testing Fundamentals
  3. Study Code Review Practices - Google
  4. Timeline: 4-8 weeks of development process learning

Week 1-4: Programming and Scripting Foundation

  • Learn Python or JavaScript basics
  • Master Git version control
  • Practice Linux command line daily
  • Set up development environment

Week 5-8: Infrastructure and Cloud Basics

  • Explore cloud platforms and create free accounts
  • Learn networking fundamentals
  • Practice server administration tasks
  • Understand virtualization concepts

Week 9-12: Development Process Understanding

  • Study software development lifecycle
  • Learn testing and quality assurance concepts
  • Understand deployment and release processes
  • Practice collaboration tools and workflows

Week 13-16: DevOps Culture and Tools

  • Study DevOps principles and culture
  • Learn automation and configuration management concepts
  • Practice with containerization basics
  • Understand monitoring and observability

Practice Environment Setup​

Development Environment​

Virtualization and Containers​

Cloud Platform Access​

Online Practice Environments​

Community Resources​

Forums and Communities​

Documentation and Learning Resources​

Books and References (Free/Open Source)​

Certification Preparation​

Ready to Begin?​

Once you've completed the prerequisites and can check off most items in the assessment checklist, you're ready to start your DevOps Engineering journey!

Next Step: Begin with Getting Started with DevOps Engineering to start building your DevOps expertise.

Remember: These prerequisites are guidelines to ensure success. If you're motivated and willing to learn, you can fill knowledge gaps as you progress through the learning path. The key is maintaining a growth mindset, embracing continuous learning, and focusing on practical, hands-on experience.

Questions about prerequisites? Join the r/devops community or other DevOps communities to connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and mentorship as you begin your journey.