All You Need to Know About How to Become a DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer ensures collaboration between a company’s operations and software teams. They are responsible for introducing tools and methodologies to streamline processes through the software development cycle. According to McKinsey, by extending the DevOps model, application development, operations, and IT infrastructure can work as one, which will result in over 50% reduction in failure rates. So how to become a DevOps engineer? Let’s take a look.
What is DevOps?
The term DevOps is a portmanteau of the word development and operations which represents a collaborative approach between software development practices and IT operations. It is not a framework but a business culture to streamline infrastructure and workflow.
What Exactly is a DevOps Engineer?
A DevOps Engineer is a senior-level IT professional who oversees software development operations and coordinates across multiple teams to streamline code updates and deployment. They may take on varied roles to help integrate software design, development, and testing and foster a collaborative environment.
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How to Become a DevOps Engineer?
Step 1: Get the Education Needed
You must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or any other related field. Alternatively, you can enroll for an online DevOps course or professional software development courses.
Step 2: Develop Skills Needed
Work on improving soft skills like problem-solving, communication, leadership, and team management. As for technical skills, coding and scripting, automation, cloud, testing, and security skills are essential, aside from the knowledge of coding languages like Python, Ruby, JavaScript, and Linux.
Step 3: Consider Online Courses and Bootcamps
Choose a DevOps certification such as Certified Kubernetes Administrator Certification (CKA), Docker Certified Associate Certification (DCA), and AWS Certified DevOps Engineer. Alternatively, you can also enroll in an online coding bootcamp.
Step 4: Build On-The-Job Experience
Building experience in cloud technology, source control, deployment automation, and container concepts in your current job role is considered ideal.
Step 5: Connect with Others in the Industry
Seek advice from DevOps experts and professionals to get a deeper insight into how the industry functions.
Step 6: Ask for Someone to Mentor You
With guidance from the right mentors, you can learn more about career prospects and technical aspects of DevOps to create a successful career in this field.
Do you Need a Degree to be a DevOps Engineer?
It is not mandatory but a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field will equip you with the technical expertise required. An undergraduate degree can also help you get an entry-level job in the field with ease. As there are not many degree courses that focus specifically on DevOps, you may consider enrolling for online technology courses or software certifications.
Most Important DevOps Engineer Skills
1. Programming Languages and Linux Fundamentals
Learn the basics of JavaScript, Ruby, and Python to understand how to automate software and work with DevOps tools. Furthermore, DevOps Engineers should also know the fundamentals of the Linux Command Line Interface (CLI).
2. Source Code Management
Equip yourself with source code management tools like Git, Mercurial, and CVS that allow developers to handle large projects with ease.
3. Version Control Systems
A version control system tracks the progress of newly-implemented codes which helps balance the software development lifecycle. This allows DevOps Engineers to speed up application deployments and make revisions with ease.
4. Application Building Testing, and Deployment
Understand how to use Maven, an automation tool used to control software within a short timeframe. This will ensure a smooth application-building process with no added configurations.
5. Automation with Continuous Integration (CI)/Continuous Development Tools (CD)
A Project Object Model (POM) is required to create an application. DevOps Engineers should use Jenkins, Drone, or similar continuous integration or continuous development tools to automate the development and testing of new codes.
6. Applications Monitoring
Learn how to monitor applications by identifying existing issues and implementing changes. Application monitoring tools such as Nagios can help monitor and instantly make any required amends.
7. Network Security
Collaborate with the cyber security team in order to streamline existing practices with the company’s protocols.
8. Cloud Services
Develop cloud computing skills and a good understanding of cloud providers and their basic applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Long Does It Take To Become a DevOps Engineer?
It can take anywhere between six months to four years to become a DevOps Engineer, depending on the route chosen – degree or professional certifications.
2. Is DevOps Difficult To Learn?
Learning DevOps may be challenging for some but it makes for a rewarding career path. A very strong technical background will make learning DevOps easier.
3. What Are Some Popular DevOps Tools?
Slack, Docker, Jenkins, Git, and Nagios are among the most popular DevOps tools in 2022.
4. Can a DevOps Engineer Work From Home?
While there are multiple remote roles in DevOps, it is likely to differ based on the organization you are working for.
If this career interests you, then you should expand your knowledge of the technology sector. Start now by choosing from a wide range of online coding courses on Emeritus.
By Neha Menon
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