Python Network Automation

Python Network Automation for Beginners

All code is based on real world working examples of things I use every day to perform network programming and automate network infrastructure.

Python is a general purpose programming language developed in the eighties and named after Monty Python (not the snake). If you really want to master Python for network automation, the posts below will be a great start.

It is the best language to automate network devices and comes installed on many Cisco devices.

Not to be confused with Python NetworkX which is a Python library for studying graphs and networks!

Python Podcasts for Network Engineers

PacketPushers Show 176: Intro to Python & Automation for Network Engineers

PacketPushers PQ Show 99: Netmiko & NAPALM For Network Automation

Python is a new skill set that allows network engineers to make changes to network devices programmatically. Using tools like Nornir & Ansible. A network automation engineer is basically the new breed of network engineer who utilises developer methodologies to improve their workflow and to become more efficient and effective in their job.

Check out 7 Python Scripts for Network Engineers

Python vs Ansible, which is best to learn?

This is a very common question and the answer is, it depends!
If you want to get started quickly with an already built platform Ansible is great, if you want to learn a language which will stay with you for years, learn Python. My advice is to learn both!

Do network engineers need to learn programming?

The short answer to this is Yes! But it all depends on how much coding you want to learn. Network engineers of the future are going to need to know some basic Python skills to be able to interact with network devices. Whilst you do not need to become a full stack developer, some basic Python, Git and coding skills are going to become essential.

Python Network Automation for Beginners

All my code and examples assume very little knowledge of Python so you can get started straight away.

For more info check my post - Should Network Engineers Learn Python?

If you are new to Python check out my Python Tutorial for Beginners

Read all my posts on Network Automation

Latest Python Network Automation Content