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Mumshad Mannambeth

Those new to the Cloud and DevOps world often find it difficult to start their journey due to missing basic prerequisites. For example, issues with setting up a basic lab environment using VirtualBox, networking issues, or working with the Linux CLI or text editors like vi editor. Sometimes, it's issues with applications – like getting a sample application to work, getting the dependencies to install properly, or getting a webserver to communicate with a database server. Or at other times, it's working with data formats like JSON or YAML.

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Those new to the Cloud and DevOps world often find it difficult to start their journey due to missing basic prerequisites. For example, issues with setting up a basic lab environment using VirtualBox, networking issues, or working with the Linux CLI or text editors like vi editor. Sometimes, it's issues with applications – like getting a sample application to work, getting the dependencies to install properly, or getting a webserver to communicate with a database server. Or at other times, it's working with data formats like JSON or YAML.

So we have identified a gap, and we believe that this is because some of the basic prerequisites are missing, such as knowing the basics of Linux, the basics of tools like VirtualBox, the basics of the most commonly used applications like Java, Python, NodeJS, or web servers like Apache, NGINX, etc.

As a DevOps or Cloud Engineer it is important to have these basics cleared. And that’s why we built this course to bridge that gap. With this course, anyone can kick start their DevOps or Cloud Journey. This is the course you must take before you start with any of the DevOps or Cloud courses out there. This course helps you get your basics right so the rest of the journey is smooth.

What are the prerequisites to attend this course?

- There are no pre-requisites for this pre-requisites course

- Good to have (Not Mandatory) a laptop to practice by yourself

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
The "Introduction" module serves as an orientation to the "DevOps Prerequisite" course, providing participants with an overview of its objectives and content. Participants gain insights into the fundamentals of DevOps and the importance of prerequisite knowledge in preparing for DevOps practices. Additionally, participants are introduced to DevOps tools through a storytelling approach, setting the stage for subsequent modules.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong foundation for beginners in DevOps and Cloud
Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials for a more engaging learning experience
Covers essential basics like Linux, Networking, and Application basics, which are highly relevant to DevOps and Cloud Engineering
Explicitly requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone interested in starting their DevOps or Cloud journey
Recommends having a laptop for practice, which may not be readily available to all learners

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Reviews summary

Essential foundation for devops & cloud journey

According to students, this DevOps Prerequisite Course offers a solid foundation for those new to DevOps and Cloud. Learners highly value the clear explanations and practical, hands-on labs, especially for Linux basics. It excels at bridging essential knowledge gaps and making complex topics approachable. While largely positive, some learners found the application basics section somewhat rushed, potentially needing further external study. Overall, it's considered an excellent stepping stone for a smoother DevOps journey.
Recent reviews indicate positive improvements and continued relevance.
"This course is exactly what I needed to start my DevOps journey. (from a recent 5-star review)"
"Excellent foundational course! I highly recommend this for absolute beginners in DevOps. (from a recent 5-star review)"
"I felt it jumps between topics too quickly... (from an older 2-star review, less common in recent feedback)"
Provides a robust and comprehensive introduction to Linux.
"The Linux command line part was very thorough."
"If you're struggling with... basic Linux commands, this is your go-to."
"Some parts were very helpful, especially the Linux commands."
Labs are invaluable for foundational skill development.
"The hands-on exercises were invaluable."
"The Linux basics and networking sections were incredibly clear, especially the hands-on labs."
"The content is well-explained and the labs are practical."
Successfully fills essential knowledge gaps for beginners.
"This course is exactly what I needed to start my DevOps journey."
"It covered all the missing pieces I had for understanding DevOps tools and concepts."
"This truly bridges the gap and helps kickstart the journey."
Excellent at simplifying complex DevOps prerequisites.
"The instructor explains complex topics in an easy-to-digest way."
"This course makes complex topics approachable and the practical examples truly stick."
"I had zero prior knowledge... and this course gently guided me through."
Some sections may feel rushed for absolute beginners.
"I found the application basics section a bit rushed, especially for someone completely new to programming."
"While it attempts to cover many basics, I felt it jumps between topics too quickly without enough depth."
"Some sections felt a bit too high-level... I wished there were more challenging ones."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in DevOps Prerequisite Course with these activities:
Participate in study groups to discuss course topics
Engage with peers to clarify concepts, exchange ideas, and reinforce your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create one with fellow classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course topics, ask questions, and collaborate on projects.
  • Provide support and feedback to other group members to enhance collective learning.
Compile a digital library of DevOps resources
Create a central repository of useful resources to enhance your learning journey beyond the classroom.
Show steps
  • Identify valuable articles, tutorials, documentation, and tools related to DevOps.
  • Organize and store these resources in a digital format, such as a shared drive, online repository, or note-taking app.
  • Continuously update and expand the library to keep it current and relevant.
Review Linux system administration fundamentals
Brush up on basic Linux commands and system administration tasks to enhance your understanding of the course content.
Browse courses on Linux Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review basic commands for file and directory management, user management, and package installation.
  • Practice using the VI editor for text editing and configuration.
  • Configure system services, manage users, and install software packages.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on DevOps practices and tools
Supplement your classroom learning by exploring hands-on tutorials that demonstrate DevOps methodologies and tools.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on DevOps concepts, such as CI/CD and Agile.
  • Follow step-by-step instructions to implement DevOps practices in a simulated environment.
  • Experiment with tools like Jenkins and Terraform to gain practical experience.
Configure and troubleshoot network switches and routers
Reinforce your understanding of networking concepts by implementing and troubleshooting virtual network environments.
Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Configure basic network settings on switches and routers.
  • Troubleshoot connectivity issues and network performance.
  • Explore DNS settings and resolve hostnames to IP addresses.
Create a visual representation of Docker containers and their interactions
Visualize Docker concepts to enhance your understanding of container management and deployment.
Browse courses on Docker
Show steps
  • Use tools like Docker Desktop or Visual Studio Code to create a Docker image.
  • Run a Docker container and observe its interactions with the host system.
  • Create a visual diagram or animation to illustrate the concepts of containerization, networking, and data management in Docker.
Build and package a simple web application in Java
Apply your knowledge of Java and web technologies by creating a functional web application.
Browse courses on Java Programming
Show steps
  • Design and implement a simple Java class with methods.
  • Create a RESTful API using Spring Boot.
  • Deploy the web application to a local server and test its functionality.
Contribute to open-source software projects related to DevOps
Engage in real-world DevOps practices by participating in open-source projects and contributing to the community.
Browse courses on Open-Source Software
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to DevOps on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
  • Fork the project, make changes, and submit pull requests for review and merging.

Career center

Learners who complete DevOps Prerequisite Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in DevOps Prerequisite Course.
Considered a must-read for any serious Java programmer, this book provides invaluable advice on writing robust, efficient, and well-designed code. It delves into best practices, common pitfalls, and advanced topics. It is highly recommended for intermediate to advanced programmers and professionals looking to deepen their understanding and improve their coding style.
While not exclusively a Java book, 'Clean Code' is highly recommended for Java developers. It focuses on the principles and practices of writing readable, maintainable, and testable code. is crucial for anyone looking to improve their software craftsmanship, regardless of experience level. It complements technical Java knowledge with essential coding standards.
Provides a comprehensive overview of design patterns in Node.js, covering both fundamental and advanced patterns. It valuable resource for developers looking to improve the design and maintainability of their Node.js applications.
Gathers hundreds of battle-tested recipes covering network programming, memory management, data structures, and functional decorators for veteran application developers.
Presents the results of a four-year study of high-performing technology organizations. It identifies the key factors that drive success, and it provides a roadmap for organizations that want to improve their performance.
Delivers the canonical blueprint for numeric analysis from the creator of pandas, thoroughly detailing NumPy structures, data cleaning, and high-speed transformations.
Is the definitive guide to writing correct and efficient multithreaded Java applications. Concurrency complex topic, and this book provides the necessary knowledge and patterns to handle it effectively. It's essential reading for graduate students and working professionals dealing with concurrent programming.
Introduces clean architecture, domain-driven design, and event-driven microservices to Python developers, demonstrating repository patterns and dependency inversion.
This seminal work provides a catalog of refactorings to improve the design of existing code. It explains how to identify code smells and apply techniques to make code more understandable and maintainable. is essential for developers who work with existing Java codebases and want to improve their design.
Demystifies programming for practical utility, guiding beginners through real-world automation projects including web scraping, spreadsheet generation, and file audits.
Covers cloud computing concepts, technologies, and architectures, providing a holistic view of cloud infrastructure, services, and applications. It is great for students and professionals looking for a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of cloud computing.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of the Linux command line, from basic commands to advanced scripting techniques.
Focuses on static typing, structural subtyping, and defensive design techniques, demonstrating how modern type annotations prevent regressions in enterprise codebases.
This handbook provides a step-by-step guide to implementing DevOps in your organization. It covers all aspects of DevOps, from planning to implementation to measurement, and it valuable resource for anyone looking to get started with DevOps.
Offers a comprehensive introduction to Node.js, covering everything from the basics to advanced topics such as scaling and performance optimization. It great choice for developers who are new to Node.js or want to deepen their understanding of the platform.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Linux kernel architecture and internals, including detailed coverage of kernel data structures and algorithms.
A classic in network security, this book provides a foundational understanding of cryptographic principles and secure communication protocols. It delves into the theoretical underpinnings of network security, essential for anyone specializing in this area.
For those interested in enterprise Java development, this book is an essential guide to the Spring framework. Spring is widely used for building Java applications, and this book covers its core features and best practices. It is valuable for undergraduate students and professionals focusing on enterprise Java.
Unpacks professional testing methodologies using pytest, explaining fixture management, parameterized tests, coverage tracking, and automated CI test execution.
Introduces fundamental design patterns in a highly engaging and easy-to-understand manner. While not solely focused on Java, it uses Java examples extensively. Understanding design patterns is vital for writing well-structured and maintainable Java applications, making this book valuable for students and professionals.
Investigates advanced software craft, detailing packaging distribution, bytecode internals, scaling architectures, and maintainability across large distributed systems.
Delves into contemporary networking topics such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud networking. It provides a good overview of the evolving landscape of modern networks.
While not a Java-specific book, this is highly relevant for Java developers building large-scale, distributed systems. It covers fundamental concepts in data systems, which are crucial for designing robust Java applications in a professional setting.
Is highly relevant for professionals working with or interested in microservices architecture using Java. It provides a holistic view of designing, building, and deploying microservices. While not strictly a Java language book, it addresses a key architectural style in modern Java development.
Bridges volumetric point cloud analysis with Python, teaching LiDAR processing, spatial meshing, and 3D machine vision using modern scientific computing toolchains.
This practical guide focuses on real-world networking scenarios and configurations, particularly relevant for those working with Cisco equipment. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making it highly useful for network administrators and engineers.
Presents a welcoming, foundational ramp into computational logic and programming, establishing syntax literacy, object modeling, and error handling for total beginners.
Provides 50 focused exercise routines and guided breakdowns designed to build instinctive muscle memory across collections, functional pipelines, algorithms, and file I/O.
Provides a collection of case studies from organizations that have successfully implemented DevOps. It covers a wide range of industries and organizational sizes, and it provides valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of DevOps.
Written by experienced system administrators, this book provides a practical approach to managing Linux systems, covering topics such as user management, networking, and security.
Provides a solid theoretical and practical foundation in data structures and algorithms using Java. It's a standard textbook in many university computer science programs and is crucial for understanding the efficiency and design of programs. Essential for undergraduate and graduate students.
A hands-on guide to network security monitoring, this book covers the tools and techniques used to collect, detect, and analyze network data for security purposes. It complements theoretical knowledge with practical application.
For Java developers working with containerized applications and cloud deployments, understanding Kubernetes is essential. provides a comprehensive guide to deploying and managing applications on Kubernetes. It's highly relevant for professionals in a DevOps environment.
Another foundational book for software developers, this provides timeless advice on a wide range of topics, including development methodologies, personal responsibility, and career development. While not Java-specific, its principles are highly relevant and beneficial for any Java programmer seeking to improve their overall development skills.
Provides a comprehensive guide to deployment automation, a key part of the DevOps process. It covers the tools, techniques, and best practices for automating deployments, and it valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their deployment process.
Delves into the core concepts and advanced topics of cloud computing. It covers aspects such as cloud architecture, security, data management, and emerging trends. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals seeking an in-depth understanding of cloud computing.
A comprehensive introduction to Java programming, this book covers the basics thoroughly, from writing and compiling code to understanding keywords and syntax. It's suitable for beginners and can serve as a good reference for fundamental concepts. The latest editions are updated to cover newer Java versions.
Is known for its comprehensive coverage and clear explanations of Java concepts, emphasizing the 'why' behind the language features. It's a strong resource for intermediate and advanced learners seeking a deeper understanding of Java and object-oriented programming.
Tackles the full lifecycle of shipping models into production, covering feature store development, container packaging, drift detection, and continuous retraining.
Introduces the principles of Test-Driven Development (TDD) using simple examples. While the examples are not exclusively in Java, the concepts are directly applicable to Java development. TDD fundamental practice for writing robust and maintainable code, making this book valuable for all levels.
Focuses exclusively on cloud security, addressing threats, risks, and best practices for protecting cloud environments. It provides a comprehensive overview of security challenges in cloud computing and offers practical guidance for securing cloud deployments.
Combines theoretical foundations and practical applications of cloud computing. It covers topics such as cloud architectures, resource management, data security, and cloud economics. It good resource for students, researchers, and professionals seeking a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical insights.

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