Network Engineer is a HOT profession in the Information Technology industry, and is also the path for you to study system security. Typically, people hired for this role must have extensive experience in network management and support, and sometimes you will need to have a degree in computer science and engineering.
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However, as with all things IT, the dynamic nature of information flow management is that it evolves over time. Everyone’s job – whatever the role, is likely to change to some degree in the future. As older technologies retire and are replaced by newer, more efficient technologies that are taking over, the requirements and roles of different areas of IT may also change.
Arguably, no other profession has been as transformative in this era as programming has been in the past decade. The evolution of programming has spawned many other paths in IT such as management, networking and security administration. So computer network engineers are more or less exposed to programming to deploy applications or patch devices. Therefore, equipping network engineers with programming knowledge is essential. But finding the right language is not easy. But in this article, I will highlight the advantages of some programming languages that network engineers should learn the most in 2021.
1. Python
No wonder then Python is one of the best languages for programming network applications to test the network and check the stability of the network system. This language has become so popular because it is so flexible. Python boasts a large, talented community of open source advocates, and there’s a good chance someone has created something to make network administration easier for you. Currently on github there are also many free scripts to help computer network engineers automate their administration process.
Another reason for Python’s popularity is how compatible other applications are with Python scripts as an input or output source to extend data, model it, or visualize it. Python is a general language and can be leveraged in most areas of IT.
2. Perl
Perl is an old language with deep roots in network programming. It makes it easier to create low-level applications that take advantage of client-server communication using built-in functions. So, chances are someone from the Perl community has already written a module to support the functionality you want. For the above reasons, Perl is a very easy to extend language.
Its power lies in its network-centric approach to high-level programming combined with fundamental networking concepts to create feature-rich tools and custom applications for testing throughput, I/O, and network protocols.
3. C
This low-level language allows applications to access the most resources to increase performance. It may sound like a sales pitch for a software developer to use C instead of other programming languages, but that’s not the case. Part of a network engineer’s job is to design the network, but the other half is to create a network that operates optimally and stably.
To test a network system and determine that it is working as expected, you must test every component of the system. From cabling to network devices and their configuration, all play an important role. Creating applications to test functionality and report results will be a lifeline for computer network engineers, thereby determining the strength of their design and engineering skills, giving them an edge over their colleagues.
4. Bash Shell Scripting
Cisco Tool Command Language (TCL) from Cisco is a good example of a programming language used by computer network engineers in the configuration of network devices. Although it is related to the Cisco equipment brand – a very famous brand among netizens, and chances are you have also been tasked with supporting Cisco equipment, as they are used a lot in setting up networks of countless organizations around the world.
Knowing TCL is useful for programming network devices being used in network design. The ability to write scripts helps make device configuration tasks shorter and easier. This in turn forms the backbone of the network by routing traffic to/from the device/WAN.
5. PowerShell
Windows PowerShell is an object-oriented automation tool and scripting language. It is designed primarily for system administrators. It helps IT, professionals, control and automate the administration of Window Operating System and other applications.
Powershell can be considered an advanced language of CMD. Proficiency in programming on PowerShell will help network engineers save more time in administering the Windows Server system. Imagine creating hundreds of Users for your company by clicking and typing names? With Powershell, you only need a few lines of command and you’re done.
6. Bash Scripts
Mentioning Powershell without mentioning Bash Script is an omission. Today Linux accounts for the majority of operating systems for Servers. Mastering Bash Script knowledge is an advantage when applying for a computer network engineer position. If you have mastered Linux commands, writing bash scripts for Linux is quite simple. Currently, there are many websites that teach how to write bash scripts for free such as: Learn Shell, Shell Scripting Tutorial …
Frequently asked questions
Is Python really necessary for computer network engineers?
Python is very useful because of its high flexibility, large support community, and compatibility with many other applications, helping to automate effective network administration.
Besides Python, what other programming languages are suitable for network engineers?
Languages such as Perl (for low-level network programming), C (for high performance and system testing), Bash/PowerShell (for system administration automation) are also essential, depending on the work environment.
Learning which programming language will give me an advantage when applying for a job as a network engineer?
Proficiency in Python and at least one of other languages such as Perl, C, Bash/PowerShell will help you stand out in the eyes of employers, demonstrating your ability to automate and effectively manage network systems.
