Overview
This Python course focusses on teaching Python for use in network automation and network DevOps.
We focus on getting delegates up and running with Python and network automation as quickly as possible rather than making them great programmers. In other words we concentrate on enabling delegates to use network automation libraries such as netmiko and NAPALM and APIs such as NETCONF rather than enabling delegates to produce object oriented programs.
Hands on sessions use Cisco and Juniper devices.
Prerequisites
TCP/IP foundation for engineers
Delegates will learn how to
By the end of the course delegates will be able to:
- Run Python programs.
- Read Python programs.
- Write Python programs.
- Debug Python programs.
- Automate network tasks with Python programs.
- Configure network devices with Python.
- Collect data from network devices with Python.
Outline
What is Python?
Programming languages, Why Python? Python in interactive mode, Python scripts, ipython, Python version 2 versus version 3. A simple Python script. Comments.
Installing Python, Hello world.
A network example
On box vs off box Python. telnet, ssh, NETCONF, HTTP, APIs, manufacturers and API support, analysis of a simple telnetlib program.
Using Python to retrieve the configuration from a network device. Using wireshark to analyse the actions.
Python basics
I/O operators, variables and assignment, types, indentation, loops and conditionals.
Modifying the telnet program, changing configurations on a network devices.
Functions, classes and methods
What are functions, calling functions, builtin functions, useful builtin functions, file handling, classes, objects, creating instances.
Storing configurations in files, configuring devices from files, using an inventory file to work on multiple devices.
Libraries and modules
Modules, files and packages, import, from-import, Python standard library, other packages, pip install, executing other programs. Managing python libraries.
Using pip, installing and using ipaddress, subprocess to access netsnmp. For the more advanced, using the sockets library.
Paramiko and netmiko
SSH, enabling SSH on devices, keys. Paramiko versus netmiko, example scripts. pexpect. Hands on Configuring VLANs from Python.
pySNMP
Gathering facts using previous methods, SNMP review, pySNMP GET, pySNMP and SNMPv3. easySNMP library.
Walking a MIB from Python.
NETCONF
What is NETCONF? Enabling NETCONF on devices, A first ncclient script, device handlers, get_config, edit_config, copy_config, delete_config, commit, validate, pyEZ, utils_config, utils.sw.
Configuration using ncclient and PyEZ. This session is expanded for those interesting in JunOS automation.
Manipulating configuration files
Builtin functions, string handling. Unicode. Sequences, strings, lists, tuples. Dictionaries. TextFSM. Regular expressions. JSON, YAML, XML, YANG, Jinja2, templates. Hands on Jinja2 templating with Python to configure network devices.
NAPALM
Getters, configuration operations, supported devices, NAPALM transport, Config-replace, Config-merge, Compare config, Atomic changes, rollback. Example NAPLAM scripts. Hands on Using NAPALM to gather facts, Using NAPALM for configuration management
REST and RESTCONF
What is REST, HTTP methods, GET, POST, cURL, Postman, Python requests library. RESTCONF, a RESTCONF example.
Modifying a configuration using RESTCONF.
Scapy
What is scapy, Scapy in interactive mode, Scapy as a module.
Packet crafting from Python.
Warning
Errors and exceptions, Exception handling, try, except. Memory management. Garbage collection. Context management, With.
Improving Python code.
Optional
Writing your own functions, Writing your own classes. pyntc.
Writing reusable code.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting (more details in the link below) to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.