Python for Network Engineers

Manual network tasks slow down changes and increase the chance of inconsistent configurations. IT Directors can assign this course to network administrators who have 1–3 years of networking experience but little or no Python background and need a practical path into automation.

The course is a realistic time investment of about 22 hours per learner. It starts with Python fundamentals, then moves into network-relevant work: data structures, functions, text files, network automation libraries, Jinja templates, REST APIs, spreadsheets, troubleshooting, testing, and concurrent connections. For change management, Team Leads can use it as a baseline before asking staff to contribute automation scripts in production environments.

CBT Nuggets Playlists can help Training Managers sequence this course with related automation training, while Team Reporting helps IT leaders track progress across assigned learners.

IT teams complete this training to move from one-off manual network work toward repeatable Python-based automation. The course connects core programming skills to scenarios network teams encounter when standardizing operations and reducing manual effort.

• Build a shared Python foundation so network admins can read, write, and troubleshoot scripts more consistently.
• Use lists, tuples, dictionaries, sets, functions, and control flow to structure network automation logic.
• Work with text files, spreadsheets, Jinja templates, and REST APIs to turn operational data into repeatable automation inputs and outputs.
• Improve script reliability through version control, Python best practices, troubleshooting, testing, and concurrent connections.

Knowledge

• Python fundamentals, including variables, data types, strings, Boolean logic, and control flow.
• Core data structures such as lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets.
• Function design, functional programming concepts, object-oriented programming, decorators, and generators.
• Network automation building blocks, including Python libraries, Jinja templating, REST APIs, and spreadsheet handling.
• Practical development practices: version control, troubleshooting, testing, and Python best practices.

Ability

• Write Python scripts that support network automation workflows.
• Organize automation logic with reusable functions and structured data.
• Read from and write to text files and spreadsheets used in operational processes.
• Generate templated output with Jinja and interact with REST APIs using Python.
• Troubleshoot and test Python code before using it in team automation efforts.
• Automate tasks that require concurrent connections.