Using APIs for Network Automation from Coursera

This course will provide a solid foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation by discussing important topics such as data encoding formats, REST APIs, and the Python Requests library. Upon completion of the course, you will be equipped with the necessary skills to utilize APIs in your network automation solution and be able to describe the usefulness of APIs in this context.

This course is primarily intended for network engineers, systems engineers, network architects, and managers interested in learning the fundamentals of network automation and network APIs.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

- Describe the need for data encoding formats and study various data encoding formats.

- Interpret and construct HTTP-Based APIs calls to network devices.

- Construct and interpret Python scripts using the Python requests module to automate devices that have HTTP-based APIs.

To be successful in this course, you should be proficient in fundamental network routing & switching technologies, understand the basics of Python programming (3-6 mos exp.) and have some familiarity with Linux.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction for Using APIs for Network Automation

In this module, we will review the topics and what you will learn in this course.

Reviewing Data Formats and Data Encoding

The foundational programming topic of data encoding formats is an essential skill for understanding the more advanced concepts like APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and Python programmability. In this course, you will first learn about the two main data encoding formats, XML (extensible markup language) and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), which are commonly used in APIs. This course also introduces YAML, a structured data format and markup language commonly used for configuration files in automation and is gaining popularity due to its ease of readability for humans.

Introducing HTTP Network APIs

The application programming interface (API) enables unrelated applications to interface with each other without having to understand how each other works or share the same programmatic language. APIs are becoming more commonplace in today’s digital age and are enabling a world of automation and interactivity. Network Engineers need to understand how to leverage APIs as vendors like Cisco are designing APIs for many of their products, enabling the ease of Network Automation and creating more possibilities to interact with 3rd party non-networking products.

Using Python Requests to Automate HTTP-Based APIs

Nearly any platform or commercial product comes with some sort of application programming interface (API) capability, many of which are HTTP APIs. These APIs can be used for machine-to-machine communication for network automation and can be the catalyst that you need to fully accelerate your network automation journey. You have seen how you can use Postman for testing and exploring HTTP APIs, but to do anything with the API, while in a programming language like Python, you need to use an HTTP client. One such client, which is presented in this section, is the Requests module for Python.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Presents an opportunity to learn how to use HTTP-Based APIs to ensure device automation

Suitable for those looking to integrate APIs in their network automation solution

Provides a solid understanding of APIs and their role in network automation

Students who complete this course will be able to create and interpret HTTP-based API calls to network devices

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 Using APIs for Network Automation with these activities:

Review Networking Routing & Switching Technologies

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Mastering the basics of networking fundamentals like routing and switching technologies is critical to your understanding of how APIs are utilized in network automation.

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Review foundational concepts like IP addressing, subnetting, and routing concepts.
Refresh your memory about switching technologies and protocols.
Practice configuring and troubleshooting basic network scenarios.

Review Python Programming Basics

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Having a solid understanding of Python basics is essential for mastering the Python Requests library.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Revisit data types, variables, and operators in Python.
Practice using control flow statements like if-else and loops.
Refresh your understanding of Python functions and modules.

Explore Advanced Python Libraries for Network Automation

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Familiarizing yourself with additional Python libraries will expand your toolkit for network automation.

Browse courses on Python Libraries

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Research and identify libraries like Netmiko, Paramiko, and Ansible for network automation.
Follow online tutorials or documentation to learn how to use these libraries.
Practice using these libraries in your own scripts.

Two other activities

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Connect with Experts in Network Automation

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Seeking guidance from experienced professionals will accelerate your progress in network automation.

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Attend industry events or join online communities focused on network automation.
Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn or other platforms.
Request mentorship or guidance from individuals with expertise in the field.

Write a Summary of API Best Practices

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Documenting your learning will help you retain information and reinforce your understanding of API best practices.

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Review resources on API best practices, such as RESTful API design principles.
Summarize the key principles and recommendations in your own words.
Consider sharing your summary with others as a blog post or article.

Career center

Learners who complete Using APIs for Network Automation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Architect

Network Architects design and implement computer networks. They are responsible for ensuring that networks meet the needs of the organization. Network Architects typically have a strong understanding of network technologies, including routing, switching, and security. They are also proficient in programming languages and scripting. This course may be useful for Network Architects who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They are responsible for ensuring that networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. Network Engineers typically have a strong understanding of network technologies, including routing, switching, and security. They are also proficient in programming languages and scripting. This course may be useful for Network Engineers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They are responsible for ensuring that software is reliable, secure, and efficient. Software Engineers typically have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including programming languages, data structures, and algorithms. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They work to ensure that software is developed and deployed quickly and efficiently. DevOps Engineers typically have a strong understanding of both software development and operations. They are also proficient in programming languages and scripting. This course may be useful for DevOps Engineers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. They are responsible for ensuring that networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. Network Administrators typically have a strong understanding of network technologies, including routing, switching, and security. This course may be useful for Network Administrators who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, implement, and maintain cloud computing solutions. They are responsible for ensuring that cloud solutions are reliable, secure, and efficient. Cloud Engineers typically have a strong understanding of cloud computing technologies, including AWS, Azure, and GCP. This course may be useful for Cloud Engineers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for the overall operation of an organization's IT infrastructure. They are responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining IT systems. IT Managers typically have a strong understanding of IT technologies, including hardware, software, and networks. This course may be useful for IT Managers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They are responsible for ensuring that systems are reliable, secure, and efficient. Systems Engineers typically have a strong understanding of computer hardware and software, as well as network technologies. They are also proficient in programming languages and scripting. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Technical Support Engineer

Technical Support Engineers provide technical support to users of computer hardware and software. They are responsible for troubleshooting and resolving technical issues. Technical Support Engineers typically have a strong understanding of computer hardware and software, as well as network technologies. This course may be useful for Technical Support Engineers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Network Developer

Network Developers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of computer networks. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. Network Developers typically have a strong understanding of network technologies, including routing, switching, and security. They are also proficient in programming languages and scripting. This course may be useful for Network Developers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access. They are responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. Information Security Analysts typically have a strong understanding of IT security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Web Designer

Web Designers create and design websites. They are responsible for ensuring that websites are visually appealing, user-friendly, and efficient. Web Designers typically have a strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This course may be useful for Web Designers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They are responsible for ensuring that websites are visually appealing, user-friendly, and efficient. Web Developers typically have a strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to solve business problems. They are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data. Data Analysts typically have a strong understanding of statistics, mathematics, and programming. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data. Data Scientists typically have a strong understanding of statistics, mathematics, and programming. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about using APIs for network automation. The course will provide a foundation for understanding how APIs are utilized in network automation and will help students develop the skills necessary to utilize APIs in their network automation solutions.

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