Excerpt: Linux is a versatile kernel that is omnipresent. It powers multiple servers, pipelines, clouds, and much more. However, it might be challenging for rookies to understand Linux. One of the major advantages of Linux is that it is open-source, which means anyone can take part in the development of Linux.
Introduction:
One of the major goals that both Linux and DevOps have, similar to each
other, is scalability. It is one attribute that enables an upper to deliver
software fast without sacrificing the developer's code quality. This one
attribute makes Linux the best option for DevOps.
The community of developers is enabled to collaborate on making the
operating system quite effective and efficient. Most importantly, one needs
a powerful and dependable internet connection for smooth operation. In this
article, we get an insight into how Linux is a perfect option for
DevOps.
What exactly is Linux?
Linux is one of the
commonly used Operating systems. It is an open source and free platform that
one can avail of for a General Public License. Like every operating system,
Linux acts like a mediator between the hardware and software of the device.
This Operating System is responsible for the regulation of the hardware and is
used to satisfy the requirements of the software.
To learn more about Linux and its tools and practices,
Linux Training will help
you to gain in-depth knowledge into the technology.
What is DevOps?
DevOps is a way of
integrating software development as well as IT operations. The basic concept
of DevOps includes integrating, automating, consistently collaborating, and
freely communicating to provide software swifter than ever.
Below are some of the reasons why Linux is a perfect option:
1. Linux is completely free of cost
As opposed to
Windows and Linux, AIX does not cost you anything. The distinctions between enterprise Linux
and distros like RedHat are quite minimal if we compare it with the free
edition. You can operate it at home and make the same application in an
enterprise setup. This will tremendously help you in building technical
skills in your resume.
2 .It is easily customizable.
Its adaptability is the most essential and famous attribute of Linux that
sets it apart from the rest. You can seamlessly run it from any device and
alter every aspect of the OS, such as the way your workflow has a proper
configuration, the applications it runs, your preferred DevOps security
standards, and the server environment. This assists the DevOps environments,
which are dependent on fluid processes.
3. Linux has great scalability.
Scalability is quite essential when it comes to the sustenance of DevOps
operations. The capacity to expand without the need for upgradation of your
system is very important. There is a need for a lot of time and monetary
investment. Fortunately enough, Linux has great scalability as compared to its
counterparts. The Linux kernel can seamlessly tackle humongous quantities of
memory and the capacity of a hard disc drive. The best thing about Linux is
that it can run on anything, from laptops to IoT devices, and fluctuates the
OS to fit your needs.
4. Linux has massive popularity.
There is a steady rise in the popularity of Linux. These days, there is a
smooth running of Linux on numerous technologies that power products as well
as services. It can be mobile phones, social networks, GPS services, the
Cloud, or any other product.
5. The command line knowledge of Linux
There is always a presence of GUI on
Linux servers, but it does not operate all the time. System engineers have to
accommodate manually managing conf files with the VI and access through SSH
to the server on port 22. As opposed to those who have adapted to the
opening GUI prompts and pressing buttons, those who are devoid of a simple
"easy button" find it painless to set up similar things with the use of
scripts or programs.
Some of the best Linux options for DevOps
1. RHEL Desktop
Red Hat Enterprise Linux or RHEL Desktop is a Linux Distro for
high-performance tasks. This includes Containers for Kubernetes, Dockers,
and other cloud environments.
2. Cloud Linux OS
This is a Linux distro made with the help of cloud computing. Since it is
based out of CentOS, this Distro is dependable, scalable, and can be connected
with other systems.
3. Amazon Linux
A Linux image that is particularly designed for Amazon EC2. It consists of
tools that enhance integrations and workflows with platforms.
4. CentOS
CentOS is an OS based on Linux, which Red Hat Enterprise inspires. It is also
allowed to be suitable with RHEL. One of the salient features of CentOS is
that it is a cloud computing that operates free of cost.
5. SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
It is a Linux Distro specifically made for desktops. The intelligent AppArmor
system that it has enables installing of a firewall on applications.
A Continual Learning Experience
One needs to learn new things and adapt to new kinds of paradigms. This is
important to let one succeed as a professional in the ever-changing field of
IT development. When it comes to DevOps engineers, they need to follow the
road of continuous and consistent improvement. Even if you are a true code
ninja who can produce flawless code on demand, understanding and grasping the
context of the project in a better way can be helpful. If your team works with
Linux, having a fundamental and deep understanding of the operating system
will significantly impact how you undertake the activity of designing,
developing, and deploying IT solutions.
What are the skills that DevOps engineers must have?
1. Collaboration and Communication Skills
Since DevOps has a fundamental nature, cooperation and communication are
crucial for success. These are very important for removing the barriers
between Dev and Ops teams, getting teams' goals in alignment with corporate
objectives, and fostering a cross-functional culture of DevOps.
2. Noble Thought and great Soft Skills
Just being good at automation and coding would not suffice. One needs to have
great soft skills, self-motivation, learning, and flexibility to be a part of
DevOps. A professional who is a part of DevOps should not only be a doer but a
good listener too. They need to have clarity on the facts relating to DevOps
transformation. This transformation involves stakeholder discussions,
assessments, a level of understanding of business goals, and the ability to
identify improvement areas. All of them need to be driven by
collaboration.
3. Security Skills
The rate of risks matches the speed of deployment enabled by DevOps. Because
of this limitation, the general strategy that places the concern on security
at the end or does not place any concern at all will not be effective. There
is an advantage of DevSecOps that integrates security with the SDLC from the
outset. Hence having a sturdy DevSecOps skill set will, without question,
help you succeed as an expert in DevOps.
4. An understanding of Important Tools
The success of DevOps completely depends on the toolset it has during
different phases of the implementation. DevOps have brought in numerous
tools.
5. Automation Skills
A strong understanding and a grasp of automation, the core of the DevOps
approach, is essential to be referred to as a DevOps engineer. A DevOps
engineer should be able to automate every step of the DevOps pipeline. It
includes infrastructure and configurations, CI/CD cycles, app performance
monitoring, and many others. The ability to use the DevOps toolset, code, and
script directly relates to DevOps automation expertise.
6. Strong Cloud Skills
Cloud and DevOps always go hand in hand. The effectiveness of one is
completely dependent on the other. DevOps and Cloud also have a major
influence on one another. On the one hand, the DevOps method is responsible
for driving a process; the Cloud can enable that process by giving out the
required platform to test, deploy and release code.
7. Customer-oriented Approach
Any effective DevOps process has the most crucial aim of achieving customer
satisfaction. Given this aspect, DevOps professionals should ensure that every
task they complete fulfills end-user needs and aligns with company goals. To
do this, they must work with many stakeholders, including project managers,
testers, developers, and the organization's thought leadership.
8. Testing Skills
Testing is quite crucial to the success of DevOps. Tests must function
flawlessly without failure in the DevOps automation procedure. For continual
testing to be successful, the location where automated tests are run is
crucial.
9. A proactive approach
The professionals in the field of DevOps will need passion and proactiveness
towards work which directly reflects productivity.
Concluding Remarks
DevOps is not just a culture but also a technical solution. It will be quite
beneficial the better you comprehend a professional, business, or service
provider; you need to be quite flexible in your operations, open to change and
possess a mix of soft and hard skills if you want to thrive in the journey of
DevOps.