Python in Network Engineering

“Programming is the gym for your brain — but instead of lifting weights, you're lifting layers of abstraction.”

Why Every Network Engineer Should Learn Python

"As engineers, we should be automating as much as possible (or feasible). Orchestrators can be used to automate routine, repetitive, and even complex tasks, saving time and ensuring tasks run as scheduled without manual intervention." ~ M.Palmer . Understanding ETL, Data Pipelines for Modern Data Architectures.

In today’s fast-moving tech world, there’s one skill that’s becoming just as essential as knowing how to configure a switch or troubleshoot a network — and that’s Python scripting. Whether you’re a veteran of the command line or just getting started in the networking world, learning Python is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a must.

The CLI Isn’t Enough Anymore

For decades, we’ve configured routers and switches one line at a time, device by device. CLI was king. And honestly? It still has its place. But networks have grown. Devices multiply. Topologies are dynamic. And manually configuring everything is a waste of time and talent.

That’s where Python steps in.

Why Python?

Python is simple to learn, but powerful in what it can do. It's readable, flexible, and has an enormous library of modules and tools built specifically for tasks like:

Automating repetitive tasks (like device backups)
Gathering real-time data from devices
Parsing logs and configs
Interfacing with REST APIs (Meraki, DNAC, ACI, and more)
Testing and validating configurations before pushing them

Real-World Examples

Imagine this: instead of logging into 50 switches to pull the interface status, you run a Python script that does it all in seconds and sends you a CSV file. Need to backup all configs weekly? Schedule a Python script. Need to push VLANs or SNMP configs to multiple switches? Python’s got your back.

DevNet, NetDevOps, and The Future

The future of networking is software-defined. Cisco DevNet, Ansible playbooks, network as code — it’s all pointing in one direction: automation. And Python is at the center of that universe.

If you want to stay relevant, competitive, and actually enjoy your job more by letting the machines do the boring stuff, Python is the way forward.

My Journey

I’m not a full-time developer. I’m a manufacturing engineer with a passion for networking who got tired of doing repetition. I started learning Python with no programming background, and every week, I find new ways it helps me automate, analyse, or troubleshoot faster.

This blog is where I’ll document what I’ve learnt, share scripts, and hopefully help others avoid the same rabbit holes I fell into.

If you're new to Python, start small. You don’t need to build an orchestration platform on day one. Begin with these basics:

Learn how to write and run a script
Use Netmiko to SSH into a router
Loop through IPs and ping them
Parse the output and log it to a file
Every script is a step closer to freedom from the CLI grind.

Whether you're a CCNA student, a seasoned CCNP, or knee-deep in data centre gear, Python belongs in your toolbox. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.

Let’s automate the boring stuff together.

Stay tuned. More scripts, guides, and real-life use cases coming soon!

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