DevOps & Network Automation Guide

1. PUT vs POST (REST API)

POST: Creates a new resource (e.g., creating a new user).

PUT: Updates or replaces an existing resource (e.g., updating a user profile).

2. CI/CD Pipeline Stages

Stages: Code → Build → Test → Deploy → Monitor

Example: A code commit triggers automated tests and deployment to staging.

3. Cisco DevNet Tools & Languages

Python

Used for automation scripts.

YAML

Used for configuration management.

JavaScript

Handles UI logic for APIs.

4. Testing & Deployment Practices

Version Control with Git

Tracks code changes. Example: git commit, git push to save and share changes.

Continuous Integration & Deployment (CI/CD)

Tools: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Docker, Selenium

Test Models

Waterfall: Sequential, rigid approach (e.g., construction).

Agile: Iterative, flexible approach (e.g., software startups).

5. Containers & Orchestration

Docker & Environment Consistency

Benefit: Ensures consistent environments across all systems.

Kubernetes

Definition: Orchestrates containers and automatically scales app pods based on demand.

Docker Compose

Used to define and run multi-container Docker applications using docker-compose.yml.

6. Python for Automation in DevNet

Python Use Cases

Example 1: Automate router configuration with Python.

Example 2: Parse network logs using Python.

7. API Definition & Role

Definition: Bridge for communication between systems.

Example: A weather app calling an API for live data.

8. Python for Parsing Data

Example: json.loads() to read API response.

9. Waterfall vs Agile

Waterfall: Sequential, rigid (e.g., construction).

Agile: Iterative, flexible (e.g., software startups).

10. Spiral vs Iterative Model

Spiral: Adds risk analysis.

Iterative: Develops in small chunks.

11. API Usage & Design Styles

Styles: REST, GraphQL, SOAP.

Example: REST for web apps, GraphQL for mobile apps.

12. Synchronous vs Asynchronous APIs

Sync: Immediate response (e.g., login).

Async: Delayed response (e.g., video processing).

13. REST API Explained

Functions: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE.

Example: GET for fetching a product list.

15. CI/CD Tools

Tools: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Docker, Selenium.

1. What is an API and what are the types of architecture styles?

Answer:

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define the methods and data formats that systems use to request and exchange information.

Types of API Architecture Styles:

Example API Request (REST API):

import requests
response = requests.get('https://api.example.com/data')
data = response.json()

2. What are CI/CD Pipelines, tools, and roles?

Answer:

CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery/Deployment) are practices in software development where code changes are automatically tested and deployed through automated pipelines.

CI/CD Pipeline Stages:

CI/CD Tools:

Roles in CI/CD:

3. What are the foundations of frameworks like Cisco, DevNet, and their roles?

Answer:

Cisco DevNet is a developer program that provides resources for software developers, DevOps engineers, and network engineers to build applications for Cisco platforms.

4. Major concepts in Git, GitHub.

Answer:

Git is a version control system that helps track code changes and collaborate with others. GitHub is a cloud-based platform that hosts Git repositories and enables collaboration between developers.

Basic Git Commands:

5. STLC Models, Designs, and Roles.

Answer:

STLC (Software Testing Life Cycle) is a set of phases that defines the testing process in software development. It helps ensure the quality of the product.

STLC Phases:

6. Requirements in Software Engineering and Development, and Types of Testing Pipelines and Roles.

Answer:

Requirements in Software Engineering: These include functional and non-functional requirements, which define the system's behavior, performance, and security.

Types of Testing Pipelines:

Roles in Testing:

7. Different Models: V-Model and DevOps Model.

Answer:

V-Model: It is a development model where each phase of development is directly associated with a corresponding testing phase. It is sequential and rigid.

DevOps Model: It is a collaborative approach between development and operations teams to automate and streamline the software delivery process. It promotes continuous integration, delivery, and feedback.

28. Terraform vs Ansible

Terraform: Creates infra.

Ansible: Configures it.

29. Docker & Environment Consistency

Benefit: Same environment on all systems.

31. Kubernetes

Definition: Orchestrates containers.

Example: Auto-scales app pods.

Unit I: Basic Python + Linux Skills

1. Basics of Python Programming

Python is a versatile, high-level programming language known for its readability and ease of use. It is widely used in automation tasks due to its simplicity and extensive library support.

Data Types in Python:

Loops:

for i in range(5):
    print(i)

Functions:

def greet(name):
    print(f"Hello, {name}")

Error Handling:

try:
    x = 5 / 0
except ZeroDivisionError:
    print("Cannot divide by zero")

2. Linux Operating System

Linux is a Unix-like, open-source operating system known for its stability and security. It uses a hierarchical file system with directories like /home, /bin, /usr, and /etc.

File Permissions:

Linux assigns permissions to files and directories using three categories:

Changing File Permissions with chmod:

chmod 755 myfile.txt

3. Virtual Lab Setup

A virtual lab is a simulated environment for practicing Python and Linux without physical hardware. You can set it up using tools like VirtualBox or VMware.

Virtual labs help learners practice safely and flexibly, offering an environment to test various configurations.

4. Linux File Management

Linux file system hierarchy is structured with the root directory / at the top, containing essential directories like /home, /bin, and /etc.

File Management Commands:

ls: Lists files in a directory
cp: Copies files or directories
mv: Moves or renames files
rm: Removes files or directories

Unit II: DevNet and Development Environment

1. What is DevNet?

DevNet is Cisco's developer network, providing resources and tools for network automation and software development. It supports building scalable network applications using APIs, SDKs, and sandboxes.

2. DevNet Ecosystem

DevNet offers tools like Cisco DNA Center, Ansible, and the DevNet Sandbox for hands-on experience with network automation. It enables developers to integrate network APIs and build solutions efficiently.

3. Community Support

DevNet provides forums, webinars, GitHub repositories, and expert blogs. Community engagement helps developers share solutions, discuss best practices, and solve real-world problems in network automation and development.

Unit III: Software Development + Testing + Version Control

1. Waterfall vs. Agile

The Waterfall model is structured and sequential, best for well-defined projects. The Agile model is flexible and iterative, suitable for projects with evolving requirements.

2. Design Patterns

Design patterns are reusable solutions to common problems. Examples include:

3. Version Control

Version control manages changes to code. Git helps with staging, committing, and branching. GitFlow is a workflow that improves collaboration by defining roles for branches.

4. Best Practices in Python

5. Unit Testing

Unit testing ensures individual units of code function as expected. Here's an example:

import unittest
def add(a, b):
    return a + b

class TestMathOperations(unittest.TestCase):
    def test_add(self):
        self.assertEqual(add(1, 2), 3)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    unittest.main()

Unit IV: REST APIs and Integration

1. RESTful APIs

REST is an architectural style for designing networked applications using standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).

2. Sending API Requests

Use Python's requests module or tools like Postman to send API requests. Example:

import requests
response = requests.get('https://api.example.com/data')
print(response.json())

3. API Authentication

API authentication secures access to APIs. Methods include API keys, OAuth, and Basic Authentication.

4. Synchronous vs. Asynchronous APIs

Synchronous APIs block the client until a response is received, while asynchronous APIs allow other operations to continue during the wait. Asynchronous APIs are better for large-scale applications.

5. API Design Styles

REST, SOAP, and GraphQL differ in flexibility, performance, and complexity. REST is widely used for web services, while GraphQL allows clients to request specific data.