Learn the concepts that are required for automating our network.

Fundamentals of DevOps

This module starts with automating network reconnaissance. We'll accomplish this by gathering important information from network devices while building a library of dynamic on-demand utilities and generating living documentation. Starting small, the module exhibits the simplicity and elegance of network automation.
We'll then learn how to automate larger changes that require a high number of repetitive steps. These changes will be executed serially in a specific orchestrated order, making them perfect for an automated solution. After becoming comfortable with these new tools, we’ll be able to fully transform any network configuration management into an automated, intent-based, self-documenting system.
In the end, we'll learn how to migrate to a continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline, thereby fully automating the network.

Automate Your Network

## Templates
Templates are human-readable Jinja2 files made up of logical operators,
dynamic variables, and static text. Once combined with group and host variables, each device receives a unique configuration derived from and based on the dynamic templates. The spacing of the text, syntax, and
unique platform variations of text all need to match a device's
running-configuration. Templates ensure that intentions are defined and
that golden configurations on all devices adhere to the standards.

Here is a sample template, in the Jinja2 format, to configure VLANs on a
device:

# Templates
Templates are human-readable Jinja2 files made up of logical operators,
dynamic variables, and static text. Once combined with group and host variables, each device receives a unique configuration derived from and based on the dynamic templates. The spacing of the text, syntax, and
unique platform variations of text all need to match a device's
running-configuration. Templates ensure that intentions are defined and
that golden configurations on all devices adhere to the standards.

Here is a sample template, in the Jinja2 format, to configure VLANs on a
device:

Let's take a look at the role of templates in network automation.

What Is Network Automation?

Why Automate the Network?

How to Automate the Network

Where to Start with Network Automation

Repository Structure

Network Reconnaissance

Tactical Playbooks

Data Models and Dynamic Templates

Dynamic Intent-Based Documentation

Configuration Management

Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery

Conclusion

Templates

Templates