How to Become a DevOps Engineer in 10 Steps?

DevOps engineer is like a special connector between the people who create the software and the one who make sure it works well. They make sure everyone works together smoothly and the software gets to people on time. 

There’s a big need for DevOps engineers right now (in 2023) who are really good at what they do. Let’s see the top 25 DevOps engineers skills that are in highest demand in 2023.

DevOps engineer skills and qualifications

1. Cloud computing.
2. Testing.
3. Containerization.
4. Continuous integration (CI) and continuous deployment (CD).
5. Version management.
6. Technical support and maintenance.
7. Configuration management.
8. Application performance monitoring (APM).
9. Troubleshooting.
10. Communication and collaboration.
11. Problem-solving.
12. Agility.
13. Security.
14. DevOps tools.
15. Linux.
16. Python.
17. Git.
18. Kubernetes.
19. Jenkins.
20. Splunk.
21. Nagios.
22. Prometheus.
23. Grafana.
24. SonarQube.
25. Docker.

The 10 Step Roadmap

Step 1: Learn programming languages and scripting

DevOps engineers do need to have strong coding and scripting skills. They don’t need to be experts in it, but their basics must be strong enough to take care of the problems. The DevOps must be an expert in atleast one of the following languages.

• Python
• Java
• JavaScript
• PHP
• Bash
• Shell
• NodeJS

Remember that learning programming languages and scripting is about automating processes and building scripts to help your DevOps engineer work, not about coding. DevOps developers may explore several languages based on their requirements.

Step 2:- Gain knowledge of operating systems and networks

DevOps engineers often work with various operating systems and network components to ensure smooth software delivery. Here are some key areas to focus on when gaining knowledge of operating systems and networks:

• Linux: Many DevOps environments use Linux as the operating system. In IT, Linux is used everywhere. All of the giant servers run Linux. So, whatever you are planning, if you are going in IT, you need to learn Linux.
• Windows Server: Valuable in enterprise settings. Learn Windows Server admin, Active Directory, and PowerShell for Windows infrastructure.
• Networking Concepts: Understand IP, subnetting, routing, DNS, DHCP for configuring, troubleshooting, and securing networks.

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Picture building a sandcastle with special blocks. Now, imagine you can write down how to build it, step by step, so you can build the same sandcastle again later. In DevOps, we do something similar with computer stuff. Instead of setting up things like servers and computers by hand, DevOps folks write down how to do it using simple instructions. This way, they can build and rebuild everything really quickly.

To gain knowledge:

1. Practice: Set up VMs or use cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) to work with different OSes and network configurations.
2. Certifications: Consider Linux Professional Institute (LPI) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
3. Courses: Explore structured learning for proper in depth understanding.
4. Hands-On: Configure networks, install OSes in virtual environments, and script infrastructure tasks.

Step 3:- Familiarize yourself with cloud platforms and virtualization

Here’s why cloud platforms and virtualization are essential in DevOps:

• Scalability and Elasticity: Cloud platforms allow scalable resource adjustments based on demand, optimizing costs and ensuring workload handling.
• Infrastructure Provisioning: Clouds offer IaaS for on-demand VMs, storage, and networking setup, enhancing flexibility and rapid configuration.
• Serverless Computing: Technologies like AWS Lambda and Azure Functions enable serverless execution, enabling scalable and event-driven architectures.
• Virtualization: Understanding virtualization (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) aids efficient VM management, resource consolidation, and isolated development/testing.

To familiarize:

• Sign Up for Free Tiers: Create accounts on AWS, Azure, GCP for hands-on experience.
• Tutorials and Documentations: there are many tutorials available on internet, or you can join a course at a training institute.

Step 4:- Learn about configuration management tools

Here are some popular configuration management tools you should consider learning:

• Ansible: Open-source automation tool using YAML to define tasks. Agentless, user-friendly, and has strong community support.
• Puppet: Powerful tool with declarative language for defining infrastructure. Enforces desired state and suits large-scale environments.
• Chef: Follows “Infrastructure as Code” with DSL. Benefits – flexibility, scalability, and supports Linux and Windows.

To learn:

• Install and Experiment: Set up your chosen tool in a test environment.
• Tutorials and Documentation: Follow online resources to grasp concepts and workflows.
• Online Communities: Join forums for Q&A.

Step 5:- Master continuous integration and deployment

They allow groups to supply software program quicker, more reliably, and with better best. Mastering CI/CD tools and practices is a must for a DevOps engineer. Here’s why CI/CD is vital and how you can master it:

1) Faster and Reliable Software Delivery:- CI/CD enables teams to automate the process of building, testing, and deploying software.

2) Early Bug Detection:- By integrating automated testing into the CI/CD pipeline, teams can detect bugs and issues early in the development process.

3) Continuous Feedback Loop:- CI/CD promotes a continuous feedback loop by providing developers with immediate feedback on the quality of their

Step 6:- Gain experience with containerization technologies

Containers (like Docker) & orchestration (like Kubernetes) transform software development and deployment.

• Benefits of Containers: Lightweight, portable packaging for apps and dependencies, simplifying deployment and scalability.
• Learn Container Basics: create container networks. Build, manage, deploy containers.
• Orchestration Mastery: Gain hands-on experience with orchestration tools (e.g., Kubernetes) for automated app management and scaling.
• DevOps Demand: Containerization skills are highly valued. Consistent app deployment is possible because of them.

Step 7:- Understand monitoring and logging tools

Monitoring and logging tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack) are vital for maintaining system performance and troubleshooting.

• Monitoring Tools: Utilize Prometheus, Grafana, or Datadog for metrics, resource utilization, and application performance insights.
• Alert Setup: Learn to configure alerts and notifications to proactively address issues.
• Logging Tools: Understand Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana (ELK stack), or Splunk to centralize logs for analysis, troubleshooting, and auditing.
• Proficiency Benefits: Monitoring and logging expertise aids in optimizing performance, identifying issues, and ensuring operational reliability.

Step 8:- Develop collaboration and communication skills

DevOps is like a big team game where people from different groups work together. Good communication & teamwork are super important. DevOps engineers talk to each other and other teams to make sure everyone knows what’s happening. 

Being kind, understanding, and respectful are like secret tools in DevOps. Just like we treat others nicely in real life, DevOps engineers do the same at work.

This helps create a happy & positive environment in the place of work. When everyone gets along and feels good, they can work together even better.

Imagine having a bunch of things to do, like homework and chores. You need to figure out when to do each task and how to finish everything. In DevOps, it’s similar.

DevOps engineers have many tasks, and they need to organize their time and work well. Being good at this means the work will go smoothly. Just like finishing all your tasks on time.

Step 9:- Get certified in DevOps

• Validation of Expertise: Certifications (e.g., AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer) authenticate your DevOps skills.
• Cloud Platform Focus: focus on specific cloud platforms and DevOps practices.
• Credibility Boost: Certifications enhance your credibility, demonstrate expertise, and validate industry knowledge.
• Stay Current: Certification preparation keeps you updated with industry trends and best practices.
• Career Opportunities: Certified professionals stand out, opening doors to new job prospects and growth.

Step 10:- Build a strong professional network

• Career Advancement:- A robust network is vital for career growth, including in DevOps.
• Attend Events: Participate in conferences, meetups, and webinars to connect with peers and stay updated.
• Online Communities: Join DevOps online communities and forums to share, learn, and engage with practitioners.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Network can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and collaborations.
• Accelerate Progression: A strong network can expedite career progression in the DevOps field.

Key Takeaways

1. Balanced Approach:- DevOps Engineer requires technical skills, practical experience, and collaborative mindset.
2. 10-Step Path:- Follow steps for OS/network knowledge, cloud tech, CI/CD, containerization, and more.
3. Continuous Learning:- DevOps is ongoing; embrace learning and adapt to changes.
4. Passion for Automation:- DevOps demands automation and efficiency.
5. Fulfilling Career:- With dedication and collaboration, DevOps offers a rewarding career path.