DevOps is a methodology that focuses on improving processes in order to make software development and deployment faster and more effective. A DevOps engineer plays a key role in helping an organisation become DevOps-ready. As such, this article will explain what a DevOps engineer does and list some of the most important skills for becoming one. A DevOps engineer must have a balance of technical know-how combined with an ability to see the big picture. These professionals should be able to understand code as well as business needs. They combine IT knowledge with business acumen, working side by side with software developers, computer operators, and other IT staff. By working together, these team members can streamline digital processes while also making sure that they’re meeting company goals and standards.
What Does a DevOps Engineer Do?
A DevOps engineer will work with software engineers, IT teams, and other organisations to improve the way that applications are developed, deployed, and maintained. This can range from writing technical documentation to building new automation tools to handle testing. The DevOps engineer will be expected to develop a clear understanding of the company culture, systems, and business objectives. This engineer will then bridge the gap between IT and the rest of the company, making sure that everyone understands the end goals of digital transformation and that everyone is working together towards those goals.
Responsibilities of a DevOps Engineer
– Translating business requirements into IT solutions – While the DevOps engineer should have a good understanding of code and computer systems, they should also be able to translate business needs into technical solutions. This means that a DevOps engineer should be able to understand the requirements of each project and how they apply to IT systems. They should be able to break down business objectives into smaller, more achievable pieces that can be worked on by various IT teams.
Making sure that systems are secure – A DevOps engineer must be able to ensure that all systems are secure. This includes monitoring the code that’s being built, the applications that are in production, and the data that’s being collected and processed.
Managing the digital transformation – The DevOps engineer should be able to manage the digital transformation as a whole. This means that they should be able to see how different parts of the business are coming together to form a seamless solution for customers.
Building strong relationships – Finally, a DevOps engineer should be able to build strong relationships with all different team members, from developers to business leads. This engineer should be able to break down walls and help all team members feel like they’re working towards the same goals.
Key Skills for a DevOps Engineer
While anyone can learn how to become a DevOps engineer, certain skills are essential to success in the role. These skills include: –
Analytical thinking – A DevOps engineer should be able to look at a system and break it down, assessing its strengths and weaknesses. This engineer should be able to identify issues and propose solutions.
Business acumen – As discussed above, a DevOps engineer must be able to understand the business and translate its needs into solutions for IT. This means that this engineer should understand the business objectives and be able to recommend systems and processes that help achieve them.
Code literacy – A DevOps engineer must be able to read and write code. This engineer should be able to understand and change complex systems, as well as create new ones.
Collaboration – DevOps engineers are often expected to lead project teams, so they must be able to collaborate with others while still remaining effective leaders.
How to Become a DevOps Engineer
There are plenty of ways to become a DevOps engineer, but the most important thing is to gain experience. Experience is key to landing a job in this field, so aspiring engineers should find opportunities to gain experience and prove themselves.
Networking – First and foremost, aspiring engineers should network. This includes attending meetups and conferences, joining professional organisations, and connecting with other engineers through social media and other platforms.
Reading and writing code – Engineers who want to become DevOps engineers must be able to read and write code. This can be done by reading books and online articles on the subject and writing code in libraries like Python, Java, and C++.
Finding opportunities to build experience – With a solid understanding of code and the field of DevOps, engineers can start to build experience. This can be done by volunteering for organisations and finding open source projects to work on.
Bottom line
DevOps engineers represent the best of both engineering and business disciplines. To become one, engineers must be able to understand both sides of the equation. While this might sound like a tall order, it’s actually a great fit for many engineers who already have the skills to excel in both fields.