Start with DevOps in 3 simple steps 🐳

Lara Stewart - DevOps Cloud Engineer — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 14:54:57 +0000

So, you're curious about DevOps? Maybe you’ve heard the buzz, seen a few job listings, or just want to level up your tech skills. Good news — getting started isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds.

Here’s a simple, no-fluff guide to help you take the first steps into the world of DevOps.

This is real advice from a real DevOps Engineer who has been working in this industry for 6+ years by 2025. 🙇‍♀️

What are you waiting for? 😾

Seriously — if DevOps has been sitting on your to-do list forever, now’s a great time to start. The industry is growing fast, and companies are constantly on the lookout for people who understand how to build, ship, and run software efficiently.

You don’t need to know everything all at once. You just need to start.

Spoiler: You'll have a great work life and some real cash in your account.

Take action 😽

The best way to learn DevOps? Do something small. Set up a GitHub repo. Try deploying a basic app using Docker. Learn how CI/CD works with tools like GitHub Actions or Azure DevOps.

Don't overthink it. Pick one thing and dive in — even if you mess up (spoiler: you will), you'll learn more than by just reading theory.

Start with one tool. One tutorial. One project. Action builds momentum.

Learn with Microsoft 🐐

If you’re just getting into DevOps, one of the best things you can do early on is build a solid base. I’d seriously recommend checking out Microsoft Learn — it’s packed with free resources and beginner-friendly courses that cover Cloud and DevOps step by step.

Think of it like having a personal coach (but free!). These courses make it super easy to understand the core concepts and even prepare you for certifications if you're aiming for that.

Here’s a great place to start: Microsoft Learn - DevOps and Cloud courses (free! free! free!)

What's stopping you from starting? Everything's free.

Honestly, it’s one of the most useful things I did when I was starting out.

Hands on Practice 🧑🏼‍💻

Reading is good. Doing is better.

Spin up a virtual machine, write a simple deployment script, or play around with containers. If you're more into structured learning, look for guided labs and sandboxes — places where you can try things without breaking your own setup.

Trust me, the more you tinker, the faster it clicks. DevOps is a hands-on sport.

Start now or never! 🙀

Look — there will never be a "perfect" time. You’ll always feel like you’re not ready. But DevOps is one of those fields where starting messy is way better than waiting for perfection.

So just go for it. Take the first step today.

Build. Break. Learn. Repeat.

Start here: link

How I would learn DevOps if I could start over 🐳

Lara Stewart - DevOps Cloud Engineer — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:08:28 +0000

Hello, I am Lara. I am a senior DevOps and Cloud Engineer and Architect at EngioTech. If you wish to be a DevOps and a Cloud Engineer, follow these steps. They are definitely going to be beneficial.

If I had the chance to begin my journey into DevOps and Cloud all over again, here's how I would approach it 😻

1. Learn and Get Certified by Free Microsoft Courses

One of the first steps I would take is to solidify my knowledge and skills by pursuing certifications in Cloud and DevOps.

Platforms like Microsoft Learn offer a wealth of resources and courses tailored to help you master these technologies. By enrolling in courses like these, you can gain a strong foundation and practical insights into the world of DevOps and Cloud. Check out these free Microsoft Learn courses on DevOps and Cloud.

2. Hands-On Practice with Real-World Projects

After building a strong theoretical foundation through certifications, I would dive into hands-on practice. Working on real-world projects, whether personal or through internships, is crucial to applying what you've learned and gaining practical experience. This hands-on approach will not only deepen your understanding but also help you develop problem-solving skills essential in the field of DevOps and Cloud.

4. Automate Everything

Automation is at the core of DevOps. I would focus on automating processes wherever possible to streamline workflows, increase efficiency, and reduce errors. Tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Jenkins can be invaluable in automating tasks and deployments, freeing up time for more strategic work.

Summary

This is it. We tend to overcomplicate things. Learn by doing. Take these courses and you are 10X ready to become an Engineer already.

DEV Community: Lara Stewart - DevOps Cloud Engineer