Programming for Network Engineers (PRNE)

In this Programming for Network Engineers course provides a structured, hands-on introduction to Python programming tailored specifically for network engineers and IT professionals transitioning into automation and programmability. It focuses on building strong foundational coding skills that can later be applied to network automation, scripting, and API-driven workflows. No prior programming experience is assumed, and concepts are introduced progressively with practical relevance to networking tasks.

Students begin by learning the role of programmability in modern networking and how Python fits into automation workflows. The curriculum covers core Python syntax and constructs, including data types, string manipulation, conditionals, loops, functions, classes, and namespaces. Emphasis is placed on writing readable, reusable, and maintainable code while understanding how Python manages data and execution flow.

The course also explores data storage formats such as CSV, XML, and JSON, module and package management, user input handling, and exception management. Debugging techniques and tools are introduced to help students identify and resolve errors efficiently. Extensive hands-on labs reinforce each concept through practical exercises, enabling learners to write, test, debug, and maintain Python scripts that form the foundation for real-world network automation.

How you'll benefit

This course will help you:

• Explain the need for network engineers to learn how to program
• Explain how programming relates to the journey into network automation and programmability
• Create useful and practical scripts to retrieve data and configure network devices
• Create, apply, and troubleshoot simple network automation scripts
• Gain hands-on experience with Python programming

After taking this course, you should be able to:

• Create a Python script
• Describe data types commonly used in Python coding
• Describe Python strings and their use cases
• Describe Python loops, conditionals, operators, and their purposes and use cases
• Describe Python classes, methods, functions, namespaces, and scopes
• Describe the options for Python data manipulation and storage
• Describe Python modules and packages, their uses, and their benefits
• Explain how to manipulate user input in Python
• Describe error and exception management in Python
• Describe Python code debugging methods

• Network Administrators
• Network Engineers with little or no programming or Python experience
• Network Managers
• Systems Engineers

Before taking this course, you should have:

• Familiarity with Cisco IOS®-XE software or other Cisco network device configuration and operation skills
• Basic network management knowledge
• Cisco CCNA® certification or equivalent knowledge

The following Cisco courses can help you gain the knowledge you need to prepare for this course:

• Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA®)

Module 1: Introducing Programmability and Python for Network Engineers

Module 2: Scripting with Python

Module 3: Examining Python Data Types

Module 4: Manipulating Strings

Module 5: Describing Conditionals, Loops, and Operators

Module 6: Exploring Classes, Methods, Functions, Namespaces, and Scopes

Module 7: Exploring Data Storage Options

Module 8: Exploring Python Modules and Packages

Module 9: Gathering and Validating User Input

Module 10: Analyzing Exceptions and Error Management

Module 11: Examining Debugging Methods

LAB OUTLINE

• Execute Your First Python Program
• Use the Python Interactive Shell
• Explore Foundation Python Data Types
• Explore Complex Python Data Types
• Use Standard String Operations
• Use Basic Pattern Matching
• Reformat MAC Addresses
• Use the if-else Construct
• Use for Loops
• Use while Loops
• Create and Use Functions
• Create and Use Classes
• Use the Python main() Construct
• Traverse the File Structure
• Read Data in Comma-Separated Values (CSV) Format
• Read, Store, and Retrieve Data in XML Format
• Read, Store, and Retrieve Date in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) Format
• Read, Store, and Retrieve Data in a Raw or Unstructured Format
• Import Modules from the Python Standard Library
• Import External Libraries
• Create a Python Module
• Prompt the User for Input
• Use Command-Line Arguments
• Manage Exceptions with the try-except Structure
• Manage Exceptions with the try-except-finally Structure
• Use Assertions
• Use Simple Debugging Methods
• Use the Python Debugger
• Code a Practical Debugging Script