Recently, I received a message from someone asking how to start their journey into DevOps. Since this question comes up frequently, I decided to write this post to help a broader audience who may be facing the same challenge. If you’re wondering where to start, what technologies to learn, and how to invest your time, this roadmap might be valuable to you.
If you’re new to DevOps and aren’t quite sure what it’s all about, I recommend checking out my guest appearance on a podcast where I explain it in more detail Introduction to DevOps | Getting Started in IT #55 [ IT podcast ]. The podcast is in Polish, but English subtitles are available if needed. Now, let’s get into the details!
What Does the Path to Becoming a DevOps Engineer Look Like?
Below is a roadmap to help you plan your development journey toward becoming a DevOps engineer. Keep in mind that this is just my humble opinion – there’s no one-size-fits-all path, and the job market can be unpredictable. Sometimes it’s easier to land a job, especially when there’s a shortage of specialists, and other times it can be more competitive. That’s why staying flexible and continuously improving your skills is crucial.
1. Fundamentals of Operating Systems and Networking
Start by learning about operating systems, especially Linux. DevOps engineers spend a lot of time working with servers, so understanding file structures, permissions, processes, and system management tools is essential. Additionally, grasp the basics of computer networks: TCP/IP protocols, DNS, HTTP, firewalls, and load balancers are all key concepts you’ll encounter eventually.
2. Scripting Languages and Automation
Automation is at the heart of DevOps. You should know at least one scripting language, such as Bash or Python. This will enable you to write scripts that automate routine tasks. Over time, you’ll also benefit from understanding languages used in infrastructure management, like YAML or JSON.
3. Containerization and Orchestration
Another key element of DevOps is containerization, with tools like Docker forming the foundation of this field. Learn how to create, run, and manage containers. Once you’re comfortable with that, move on to container orchestration, where Kubernetes is the industry leader. Mastering orchestration tools will allow you to manage complex, distributed applications across multiple servers. However, don’t worry and don’t stress. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so first, focus on mastering the basics.
4. CI/CD and Version Control
One of the most important aspects of a DevOps engineer’s role is building and maintaining CI/CD (Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment) pipelines. Learn to use tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or Azure Pipelines. But before diving into that, make sure you’re proficient in Git – the essential version control tool for collaborative development.
5. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
Automating infrastructure deployments is something that separates experienced DevOps engineers from beginners. Tools like Terraform or AWS CloudFormation allow you to define infrastructure as code, ensuring repeatability and scalability. It’s also worth learning Ansible for automating configuration management.
6. Public Cloud
DevOps and the cloud go hand in hand. The vast majority of DevOps environments are built on one of the leading public clouds: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Choose one and start diving into its core services. If you feel like you need a certification, you can start with a fundamentals-level one. You can often find a discount code and take it for free. As for me, I recommend the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, or something similar from another cloud provider. In my opinion, it’s a good target when it comes to certifications. Just make sure to prepare well for it.
7. Monitoring and Logging
DevOps is not just about deploying applications; it’s also about monitoring them and responding quickly to issues. Tools like Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana), or Datadog help with monitoring and logging. Learn how to properly set up monitoring and how to react to alerts.
8. Continuous Learning and Community
DevOps is a rapidly evolving field. Staying up to date with new tools and technologies is key to success. Join DevOps communities on Reddit, Slack, or LinkedIn, follow blogs, and attend webinars. It’s also beneficial to develop your skills through hands-on projects.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a DevOps engineer may seem long and challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. As I mentioned at the beginning the job market can fluctuate – sometimes demand for DevOps specialists is high, while at other times it may be more difficult to find a position. The key is to stay flexible and continuously sharpen your skills.
I hope this article helps you plan your journey toward becoming a DevOps engineer. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!