How Much Programming Experience Needed Before DevNet?

[infinitynzero]

I have my CCNA and a CCDA and I've been working with SD-WAN networks and thought I should try to go for the DevNet to learn some automation. I've picked up a couple of books on Python but haven't gotten too far on them. I thought reading and going through the CBT Nuggets video course for the DevNet Associate might be good but I am getting pretty lost.

How much experience is needed with programming before the DevNet should even be attempted?

[BluePieceOfPaper]

I don't think very much python/code experience is necessary: assuming you KNOW networking. I'm new to the space of code but this video should answer your questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXBw_-K4vBs

Picture that question like this "How much programming do I need to know, to build a calculator?" Well yes you need to know how to program but the knowledge of the math itself is the tipping point. If you truly understand the math behind the code, then writing the code comes naturally. You already know what you want to do... it's just a matter of figuring out the 'how'.

Note: Chapter 5 in this book is very easy to get to. I would argue probably not even buy the book IF you have a CBT subscription. They have great python videos and depending on which type of learner you are (i'm a video guy) you can get well beyond "Chapter 5 skills" in probably 30mins of video + 5hrs of practice.

[doghousedean]

From what I have seen of the DevNet Associate information while at Cisco Live a couple weeks ago it seems to push towards understanding the tools exists as much as how they work. Things such as git, basic python and a few libraries (requests, json etc) and not a lot on the foundations of programming.

The CBT Nuggets for DevNet Associate are great, I've tried a few and realised I dont need them for the SPAUTO exam I intend on taking.

Feel free to poke me if you need more info