Essential Skills for DevOps Engineers

Last Updated on June 30, 2022

DevOps is primarily about adopting the best strategies that meet changing business requirements. It is a collaborative, integrative approach that maximizes business productivity and gains. DevOps engineers need to develop relevant skills that help them grow in their careers. They should adopt these skills keeping in mind the best practice of continuous Integration to streamline and automate the software delivery process. It is vital for you as a DevOps engineer to build better, faster, and more efficient software that brings the Development and Operations team to work together. Let us have a look at essential skills to start a career as a DevOps engineer.

1) Communication and Collaboration

Communication and collaboration are crucial for DevOps engineers. With the help of these skills, teams can ensure they meet business objectives. Working together to fulfill business goals is possible, with good communication skills necessary for success in this field.

Collaborating and working with others is essential in all businesses. DevOps engineers have to interact regularly to manage their internal team and focus on a smooth process. They can effectively support one another to integrate new software and procedures. Mentoring one another helps in the learning process and delivers the best results.

2) Coding and Scripting

For all DevOps engineers, coding and scripting skills are essential. Being familiar with software languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript, to name a few, is essential. Coding has become a vital skill in various occupations. Being able to do coding and scripting in multiple languages makes debugging issues simple regardless of the language that the software is coded in. With the help of coding and scripting skills, DevOps engineers can build new tools and optimize efficient activities for the team. In DevOps, there is a focus on implementing CI/CD, i.e., Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery, with emphasis on coding and configuring changes in the servers with the help of Chef or Jenkins. So, as a DevOps engineer, you need to have in-depth knowledge of CI/CD. 

3) Cloud Skills

If you’re a DevOps engineer, you know by now how crucial cloud skills are. With the help of cloud skills, you can code a project, deploy it in the cloud, and release the code in time.

You can carry out a test before a fundamental shift to production. This, even though difficult, is not impossible. A similar environment can be created quickly with the help of the cloud in a cost-efficient manner. The cloud helps in developing an environment that is flexible and resourceful. Thus, both DevOps and cloud go hand in hand as they influence one another. Cloud enables the process of DevOps for continuous improvement and innovation in the work environment.

4) Automation Skills

Having an efficient command over DevOps automation is essential as a DevOps engineer. As a DevOps engineer, you should automate the entire DevOps process, including CI/CD, configurations, and monitoring. The automation skills are closely linked to coding and scripting. These skills play a role in increasing speed and accuracy, enhancing consistency, and reducing errors. Automation skills are crucial to DevOps engineers as it delivers high-quality results to customers in a smooth fashion. Your automation skills will depend on your awareness of DevOps tools, operations, coding and scripting, and the available infrastructure.

5) Testing skills

The skill of testing holds an important place in the success of DevOps engineers. For the entire DevOps process to be successful, it is crucial to run tests smoothly. This is essential for successful testing and makes the process faster and more effective. A  DevOps testing strategy will build a successful delivery upfront and help adjust to changes. You will have an excellent competitive stance and an environment that focuses on success with good testing skills.