With DevOps, teams are able to work more collaboratively and more efficiently, enabling them to create better software more quickly. In order to achieve this, it is essential that DevOps professionals have an understanding of different programming and scripting languages. This understanding allows them to communicate more effectively between teams and to develop their processes in an integrated manner.
DevOps is fascinating because it encourages engineers to consider ways to simplify various steps in the software development lifecycle.
Consequently, in order to be successful in the role of a DevOps engineer, it is essential to have proficiency in a wide variety of coding languages. As one’s familiarity with these languages increases, it will allow them to optimise processes and develop efficient software solutions.
This article explores some of the most desirable scripting and programming languages for aspiring DevOps engineers to become proficient in, in order to launch their career or progress their current one. By understanding the fundamentals of these languages, DevOps engineers can equip themselves with the necessary expertise to successfully drive their professional development.
DevOps: What’s It All About?
DevOps is a methodology and a set of tools that enable the coordination of software development, server and network management. This concept, which was first developed for use in the field of software engineering, has now been extended to other areas and is now taught at universities.
Developers and IT specialists work together closely to increase the consistency, speed, and security of software using the DevOps methodology. A DevOps engineer’s primary objective is to enhance efficiency and responsiveness through the implementation of lightweight automated technologies and processes. This approach can also boost the effectiveness of customer service, the creation of new features, rollout, testing, and monitoring.
To what extent should DevOps engineers familiarise themselves with programming and scripting languages?
Python
When it comes to DevOps engineers, Python is a highly advantageous choice of programming language. Its versatility and flexibility make it suitable for a variety of settings and scenarios, making it a valuable asset to DevOps teams. In addition, Python is a reliable language that is both simple to learn and easy to use. This makes it a popular choice for DevOps engineers, who are often required to quickly and efficiently solve complex problems.
Python is highly sought after by developers due to its versatile nature and its capacity to be used across multiple platforms. Furthermore, Python is one of the few scripting languages that can be utilised to create a variety of applications, from web-based applications to native applications and machine learning applications.
Python has become a popular choice for programmers of all skill sets due to its user-friendly syntax, dynamic typing, and open-source capabilities. Although it may not be the most efficient option, its widespread support and comprehensive libraries make up for its lack of speed.Java
For DevOps professionals, being proficient in Java, a high-level programming language, could be a great advantage. Java is a platform-independent, general-purpose programming language, which makes it suitable for developing applications for a wide range of devices. As a result, it is an ideal option for DevOps professionals who are looking to expand their skillset.
Given its ease of inclusion into existing codebases, this language is widely employed by DevOps teams when constructing web applications. The ability to integrate this language into existing code facilitates the transition to new technologies without necessitating the full rewrite of existing application components.
Java is an ideal language for developing server-side applications due to its robust object-oriented programming support, automatic memory management through garbage collection, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and compatibility with distributed applications. Additionally, its interface with popular electrical protocols such as I2C and SPI makes it an ideal choice for embedded system programming.JavaScript
As DevOps specialists, we rely on the versatile JavaScript scripting language to create client-side applications with dynamic visuals and user interactions. These applications can range from websites, to desktop programmes, to even mobile games. JavaScript is a powerful tool that allows us to create user-friendly applications that are both visually appealing and interactive.
Developing web forms and validating user input are two more tasks that JavaScript excels at. Not only is JavaScript an effective programming language, but it is also a powerful runtime environment for other scripting languages.
For those who are new to JavaScript, the language’s multi-paradigm approach may be initially daunting. To become more familiar with the language, it is advised to first gain an understanding of other programming languages such as Python and Java. This will provide a strong foundation for any aspiring JavaScript programmer to build upon.Golang
Go, a statically typed, compiled language developed by Google, is an ideal choice for developers and DevOps engineers who want to create websites, command-line tools, and desktop applications. The language is designed to be highly efficient, making it an optimal choice for those looking to build sophisticated software solutions quickly and easily. Furthermore, the Go programming environment, which includes an integrated development environment (IDE) and a set of tools, provides developers with a comprehensive suite of resources to help them create high-performance applications.
Google developed Golang as an efficient alternative to more complicated programming languages such as Java and Python. Since Golang is a compiled language, applications written in it often have shorter start-up times and lower resource requirements than those written in interpreted languages like JavaScript. This makes Golang an attractive option for developers seeking to maximise system performance.
Go is an advantageous programming language, specifically designed to make software development and data analysis on a large scale more efficient. Its efficiency is derived from its capacity to perform runtime optimisations, such as constant folding and dead code reduction, which are not commonly available in other languages.PHP
When it comes to constructing websites, PHP is an extensively utilised open-source programming language. This language provides developers with the capability to create anything from basic personal blogs to intricate enterprise-level websites. As a result, PHP has become the language of choice for developers across the globe.
PHP is a programming and scripting language that can be used to create both static and dynamic websites. Additionally, PHP allows for the inclusion of widgets, social networking platforms, and payment gateways, thus providing users with a comprehensive and interactive online experience.
The utilisation of PHP by developers independently is a commonplace occurrence. At times, PHP is used in conjunction with another programming language, such as JavaScript or SQL, increasing its versatility and capability. This combination of languages serves to enhance the flexibility of the programming language.PERL
As a DevOps Engineer, one can use the Perl scripting language to tackle a variety of tasks, such as web development, data analysis, networking, system administration, and machine learning. Perl stands out among its peers due to its adaptability, dependability, and portability, making it an excellent choice for DevOps professionals.
The utilisation of PERL as an underlying structure for other programs is likely the most common application of the language. PERL frameworks are collections of modules that can be employed to construct more sophisticated programs.
Many frameworks are based on a shared language, however, some are created on top of other languages or technologies. By enabling the amalgamation of multiple modules into a single cohesive system, PERL frameworks make the development of intricate software significantly easier.Ruby
When it comes to streamlining mundane, labour-intensive tasks in IT infrastructure, Ruby is a widely used scripting language. This dynamic, interpreted language is highly advantageous for web development, data science, and unit testing as a DevOps tool. Its versatility and effectiveness have made it a popular choice among developers.
Due to its user-friendly nature and lack of prerequisites for entry, Ruby has gained significant traction as a scripting language among information technology professionals. Its low barrier to entry is appealing to newcomers, as no prior coding experience is necessary to begin working with the language.
Ruby is an incredibly useful programming language for DevOps engineers, providing them with the capability to create small web applications, such as lightweight content management systems, as well as more comprehensive programs, including chat rooms and online stores. Moreover, Ruby is renowned for its aptitude in web service development and application programming interface (API) coding.
Coming to a close
As a DevOps engineer, it is important to carefully consider which programming language to study. While making this professional decision, it is important to consider the type of DevOps engineering tasks you anticipate completing. Additionally, it is important to take into account the linguistic barrier associated with the language. Is there a simpler language that is connected to the one you are considering? By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that best meets your needs.
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Common Questions About DevOps Languages
When comparing programming and scripting languages, what are the key distinctions?
Coding that is capable of functioning autonomously may be written using a programming language, while scripting languages are more suitable for developing code that is intended to be executed by another program, such as a web browser or server. This is because scripting languages are designed to be more flexible and interpretable by other applications than programming languages.Approximately how long does it take to become proficient in a new programming language?
According to research, the average amount of time required to become proficient in a new programming language is in the range of three to six months. This estimate is based on the amount of time necessary to dedicate to the learning process, which is approximately 500 hours, and is subject to variations due to the learner’s speed, the complexity of the target language, and the availability of resources for learning.
