Chapter 1: Introduction to Python Network Automation ....................................... 1
Laying the Foundation ...................................................................................................... 1
Exploring Your Skills and Prerequisites ............................................................................ 2
General Competencies of Three Main IT Domain Group ......................................................................... 3
Comparative Analysis of IT Engineers’ Responsibilities ......................................................................... 6
Python and Network Automation Studies ....................................................................... 10
Why Do People Want to Learn Python? ................................................................................................. 10
What Do I Need to Study Network Automation Using Python? ....................................... 12
Hardware: Minimum Specifications for Laptop or PC ..................................................... 13
Software Requirements .................................................................................................. 14
Building a Network Automation Development Environment Using GNS3 ....................... 16
Downloading Supplementary Guides and Source Code ................................................. 20
Summary ........................................................................................................................ 21
Storytime 1: Mega Speed Shoe Factory ......................................................................... 21
■ Table of ContTenTs
vi
■Chapter 2: Learn Python Basics on Windows ...................................................... 23
“Hello, World!” and print( ) Function in Interactive Mode ............................................... 24
Preparing for the Python Exercises ................................................................................ 27
Understanding Data Types ..