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Python for Linux System Administration

Python is a widely used scripting language on Linux. This course will teach you the core of the Python language and how to combine Python scripts with other Linux tools.

System administrators invariably write scripts to help automate the work they do, but rarely have time to learn a language from top to bottom. They just need enough to get the job done. In this course, Python for Linux System Administrators, you'll quickly get immersed into the Python language in the context of realistic system administration tasks. First, you'll survey the various development environments and learn the core language features. Next, you'll meet the key library modules that allow Python scripts to interact with the rest of the Linux system. Finally, you'll explore processing and modifying text files. When you're finished with this course, you'll have the skills to write simple sysadmin scripts in Python and have an understanding of the "pythonic" mindset for administering Linux systems.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Python Quick Start

Creating a Productive Python Environment

Interacting with the Linux System

Using Python with Files, Strings, and Text in Linux

Combining Python with Other Tools

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces core concepts in Python, important for Linux system administration

Taught by Steve Buchanan, an expert in Linux system administration and Python

Covers essential Python modules for interacting with the Linux system

Focuses on real-world system administration tasks, making the learning practical

Provides a good foundation for writing basic sysadmin scripts in Python

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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 Python for Linux System Administration with these activities:

Volunteer at a local Linux user group

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Volunteering at a local Linux user group will give you the opportunity to interact with other Linux users and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Linux Tools

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Find a local Linux user group.
Attend a few meetings to get to know the group.
Volunteer to help with a project or activity.

Find a mentor in the Python community

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Finding a mentor in the Python community can provide you with guidance and support as you learn the language and build your skills.

Browse courses on Python Scripting

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Join a Python community online or in person.
Introduce yourself to the community and ask if anyone is willing to mentor you.
Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your progress and get feedback.

Read Python Cookbook

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This book provides a collection of practical recipes that demonstrate how to solve common problems in Python.

View Python Cookbook: Recipes for Mastering Python 3 on Amazon

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Read through the book, paying attention to the examples.
Try out some of the recipes on your own.
Refer back to the book when you need help with a specific task.

Four other activities

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Follow Python tutorials

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Following Python tutorials will help you learn the basics of the language and how to use it to automate tasks in a Linux environment.

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Find a reputable online tutorial or book.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step, making sure to understand each concept.
Complete the exercises at the end of each section.

Work through practice problems

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Completing practice problems will help you solidify your understanding of Python syntax and how to use Python scripts to interact with the Linux system.

Browse courses on Python Scripting

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Find a set of practice problems online or in a book.
Work through the problems, taking your time to understand the solutions.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck.

Write a Python script

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Writing your own Python script will help you apply your knowledge of the language and Linux tools to solve a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Python Scripting

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Identify a task that you can automate with a Python script.
Design the script, including the input and output parameters.
Write the code for the script.
Test the script and make sure it works as expected.

Participate in a Python coding competition

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Participating in a Python coding competition will challenge you to apply your skills to solve complex problems.

Browse courses on Python Scripting

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Find a Python coding competition that interests you.
Read the rules and regulations of the competition.
Prepare for the competition by practicing your Python skills.
Compete in the competition and try your best to win.

Career center

Learners who complete Python for Linux System Administration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for ensuring that software products meet the required quality standards. They work closely with developers and testers to identify and fix any issues that may arise. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Quality Assurance Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Quality Assurance Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks. They work to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, damage, or theft. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Security Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Mobile Developer

A Mobile Developer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of mobile applications. They work closely with designers to create mobile applications that are visually appealing and easy to use. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Mobile Developer by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Mobile Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Software Tester

A Software Tester is responsible for testing software applications to ensure that they are free of bugs and defects. They work closely with developers to identify and fix any issues that may arise. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Software Tester by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Software Tester.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They use data to identify trends and patterns, and they make recommendations based on their findings. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Data Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to manage data, perform statistical analysis, and create visualizations, all of which are essential skills for a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of database systems. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and efficiently, and they are responsible for resolving any issues that may arise. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Database Administrator by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Database Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of websites. They work closely with designers to create websites that are visually appealing and easy to use. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Web Developer by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Game Developer

A Game Developer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of video games. They work closely with designers to create video games that are visually appealing and fun to play. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Game Developer by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Game Developer.

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DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer is a software engineer who is responsible for the development and maintenance of software applications. They work closely with operations teams to ensure that software is deployed and maintained efficiently. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a DevOps Engineer by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a DevOps Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of cloud computing systems. They ensure that cloud systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and they are responsible for resolving any issues that may arise. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Cloud Engineer by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Cloud Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and efficiently, and they are responsible for resolving any issues that may arise. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Network Engineer by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Network Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is an IT professional who is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and maintenance of computer systems. They ensure that all systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and they are responsible for resolving any issues that may arise. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Systems Administrator by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage files, and interact with other Linux tools, all of which are essential skills for a Systems Administrator.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for understanding the business needs of an organization and translating those needs into technical requirements. They work closely with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop solutions. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Business Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks, manage data, and create visualizations, all of which can be helpful for business analysis.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for creating technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. They work closely with subject matter experts to gather information and translate it into clear and concise documentation. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Technical Writer by teaching you the basics of Linux. Linux is a widely used operating system, which makes it essential for many technical writers to have a basic understanding of the platform.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. They work closely with stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Project Manager by teaching you the basics of Python, a widely used scripting language in Linux. Python can be used to automate tasks and interact with other Linux tools, which can be helpful for managing projects.

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Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Python for Linux System Administration.

Python Standard Library

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Python Standard Library, which is essential for writing robust and efficient Python scripts for Linux system administration.

Python for Linux System Administration

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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