Top 7 Programming and Scripting Languages for DevOps Engineers

Collaboration, as well as communication and improvements. DevOps engineers must master specific scripting and programming languages for faster software development and release them more frequently. DevOps is a fascinating field since engineers must look at ways to improve the efficiency of various aspects of software creation. That means a practical DevOps engineer needs to be familiar with multiple scripting or programming languages. Furthermore, the more DevOps Programming Languages you’re familiar with for coding, the more successful you’ll become at streamlining your operations and creating software effectively. 

This blog post will discuss some of the most popular scripting and programming languages that future DevOps engineers must master to get into the field and advance their careers.

What Is DevOps?

In DevOps, Dev stands for Development and Ops Operations and represents an innovative software development and operations management method within IT environments. It aims to make creating tests, deploying, and building software more effective and faster. Instead of thinking of operations and development as two distinct areas, DevOps promotes cooperation among these teams.

The emphasis is on automation, which allows faster releases and fewer mistakes. The team can streamline workflows, enhance communication, and utilize devices to automate manual work through DevOps. This leads to more secure software, more frequent updates, and more productive teams, improving the experience for both end-users and businesses. DevOps changes how software is designed, developed, implemented, and maintained. It gives our users more reliable and efficient software solutions.

What Is Programming Language And Scripting Language?

Programming languages are particular codes used to communicate with the computer. They are the language computers can understand and are utilized to build many software and programs. They are like the building elements of software. Each programming language has distinct rules and styles. The most well-known examples of programming languages include C, C++, and Java.

However, scripting languages can be an instrument for creating web-based applications and similar software. Scripting languages use an interpreter instead of directly translating the high-level language into machine code. Examples are JavaScript, PHP, Python, and BASH. They can be utilized along with other programming languages, such as HTML or Java, to bring more flexibility to software development.

Top Scripting And Programming Languages DevOps Engineers Should Know

Now, let’s look at the top 7 scripting and programming languages.

Python

Python is among the scripting languages most useful for hiring DevOps Engineers. The language is adaptable to various environments and usage scenarios, which makes it an appealing choice for DevOps teams. Python is highly flexible and compatible with multiple platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Furthermore, Python is one of the only scripting languages that can be used to build various applications, from native and web-based apps to machine learning.

One of the most significant benefits is the clear and concise syntax that allows you to read and write codes quickly. It benefits a DevOps context, where rapid automated script creation and development is crucial. Cross-platform compatibility will enable you to execute your scripts across different operating systems without modifications, making saving time and energy easier.

The second reason is that its compatibility with various languages and tools makes it an excellent alternative for developing complicated DevOps workflows. The support it provides for Python Development Services and various programming models, such as imperative, object-oriented, and functional, allows an opportunity to address challenges in multiple methods. Additionally, its large community of users and comprehensive documentation mean you can access various information and assistance when you incorporate it into your DevOps methods.

The general rule is that lower-level languages such as C and C++ are slower. It can affect the speeds of some DevOps pipeline operations, mainly when working with high-end computational tasks. The global interpreter lock (GIL) may pose issues in multi-threading and parallel execution that are crucial to a high-throughput DevOps environment.

Dynamic typing and implicit declaration of variables could lead to issues or errors if proper attention isn’t paid when writing your code. This could make it difficult to detect specific types of bugs in the creation and testing stages of your DevOps processes.

Java

Java is an advanced programming language that DevOps engineers must master. It is suitable for creating applications on different platforms. DevOps teams frequently employ this programming language to develop web-based applications because they can swiftly add it to existing codes. This allows them to incorporate modern technologies without needing to rewrite significant components of the application.

Java is appropriate for server-side programs due to its object-oriented programming support, garbage management system, multi-threading capability, and support for distributed apps. It is one of the leading programming languages embedded system developers use, as it lets them connect electronics via standard protocols such as I2C and SPI.

One of the main advantages of using Java is the cross-platform compatibility. Java is designed for portability across devices using its Virtual Machine technology, providing modern DevOps environments with crucial flexibility and adaptability. Java’s established infrastructure and wide-ranging support make it an excellent option for creating solid, flexible platforms. A further advantage of Java in DevOps is its speed. Its Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler maximizes software performance, leading to rapid execution as well as efficient resource management. This is crucial for a DevOps context where efficiency and speed are paramount.

One significant issue is the amount of memory it consumes. Java applications generally require more memory than other languages, which could create problems when working in environments with limited resources. The learning curve for Java can be high for those unfamiliar with the language, which makes it a problematic selection for specific groups.

JavaScript

It is a scripting language used to create scripts for DevOps to improve user interaction and functionality of websites and other applications. It allows the development of dynamic web-based forms with real-time updates and interactive functions, making it an ideal tool for automating work such as managing infrastructure and ensuring smooth user experience within the DevOps process. If you are unfamiliar with computer programming, JavaScript might seem difficult to master initially. Before attempting JavaScript, studying other languages like Python and Java is a good idea.

JavaScript’s non-blocking and synchronous I/O design, with the help of Node.js, lets you manage multiple requests at once without being stuck—this is a great feature for creating high-performance and scalable applications to support DevOps. In addition, its prominence and active community provide the availability of various frameworks and libraries to support DevOps automation and tools.

As with every programming language, JavaScript has its drawbacks. One of the significant issues concerning JavaScript’s use in DevOps is its single-threaded design, which can make it slow for CPU-intensive tasks. The rapid evolution of the JavaScript framework can result in problems with backward compatibility, so it is essential to take care of your dependencies.

Golang

Golang (Go) is a statically typed and constructed language run within the Google Go programming platform. Go is among the fastest programming languages any DevOps engineer can utilize for web applications, command-line toolkits, command-line applications, and desktop apps. Google has created the Go language because of its low overhead and superior alternative to other programming languages, such as Java and Python. Since it was compiled, Golang applications have had quick startup times; they generally have less resource usage than interpreter languages such as JavaScript.

It is a perfect language for significant project software and massive data analysis. Go is superior to other languages since it permits developers to utilize the most efficient runtime features, like constant folding and dead code removal.

PHP

PHP is one of the most widely used scripting languages, and it is open-source for web-based development. Developers use PHP to create many web applications, from tiny blogs to huge-scale corporate websites. PHP’s scripting language is suitable for building dynamic and static websites. In addition, PHP allows developers to connect payment processors, social media channels, and widgets.

Many developers utilize PHP separately. In other instances, they blend PHP with other scripting languages, such as JavaScript and SQL. PHP can create a better-rounded site when combined with other scripting language options.

PERL

A DevOps engineer may use PERL to develop web applications, perform data analysis, administer networking systems, and perform machine learning. PERL is among the top scripting languages within the DevOps area due to its reliability, flexibility, and ability to be used across any operating system. The most well-known attribute is that it functions as a software framework. Frameworks for PERL comprise modules that work in conjunction to make complex programs.

Frameworks typically are based on the programming language; however, you can build them using other software or programming languages. The frameworks for PERL allow you to create complex programs by allowing developers to mix various components into intricate structures.

Ruby

Ruby is among the top scripting languages used to automate repetitive tasks within IT environments. The dynamic interpretive language can be a powerful DevOps instrument for developing web applications, data science, and unit testing. Ruby is a prevalent scripting language within IT in the present because it’s an easy time to learn. Anyone new to programming can start without prior knowledge of programming.

DevOps engineers can use Ruby to develop tiny web applications, like essential CMS platforms. Additionally, Ruby supports complex applications, including messaging platforms and e-commerce websites. Ruby helps build web services and APIs (application programming interfaces).

Other Important Programming Languages

Beyond that, we will examine some additional crucial programming and scripting languages. Furthermore, you can also seek the help of DevOps Consulting Services to select the best language for your project.

Bash

Bash scripts, called Linux Shell Scripting, are vital tools for automating installation and configuration management processes. DevOps engineers depend on Bash to create deployment scripts that simplify creating new apps. Because of their simplicity and speed, Bash scripts work well in various DevOps tasks. 

Numerous organizations, including tech giants such as Google and Facebook, use the Bash script extensively in various automatization and system administration tasks because of its flexibility and compatibility with Unix platforms. In addition, numerous Linux distributions, like Ubuntu and CentOS, rely heavily on Bash to manage system-level scripting and administration.

Powershell

Powershell is the best companion for engineers if you’re a DevOps engineer working with Windows servers. Powershell is a software made by Microsoft that assists in automating processes, creating scripts, and handling settings. It is compatible with Windows platforms. It’s an excellent tool to analyze numbers and crunch information. 

Numerous organizations, such as Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM, use PowerShell for automated configuration management and other system administrative tasks because of its adaptability, versatility, and ability to work with a Windows environment. PowerShell’s widespread adoption extends to finance, technology, healthcare, and more industries.

Groovy

Groovy is a scripting program built on Java, so understanding Groovy is simple. Groovy is used chiefly to automatize tasks used in software development, such as writing code, creating files in tests, and running them. For DevOps, Groovy is super loved within Jenkins. Writing Jenkins pipelines, shared libraries, and other Jenkins-related software is a breeze if you’re comfortable working with Groovy scripting. It can help streamline the development process. 

Organizations like Netflix heavily depend on Groovy as its microservices model and Apache Software Foundation, where Groovy is utilized in various projects. Many organizations have embraced Groovy as a programming language to improve and automate their software development processes.

Choosing The Right DevOps Programming Language

Selecting the best DevOps programming language is a crucial decision for any company. Below are some things to take into consideration while choosing the correct DevOps programming language

Numerous factors must be considered if you decide on a DevOps programming and scripting language. The first is to evaluate the unique demands of your particular project, like the requirement to scale, real-time processing, and high-performance computation. This can help you choose the most appropriate language to your technical specifications.

Then, consider the capabilities and knowledge of the members of your DevOps team. Picking a language the team already knows could save you time and energy, as they don’t have to learn a new language. The third factor is the community and ecosystem of each language’s ecosystem and community. Consider the existence of frameworks, libraries, and software for each one, in addition to considering the activity and size of the local community. A robust ecosystem with a vibrant group of people can offer valuable tools and support for your DevOps initiatives.

Then, consider the security capabilities and weaknesses in each language, specifically in the case of sensitive information or software. Ensure that any language you select has robust security capabilities and is constantly upgraded to fix weaknesses. This is essential to protecting your business’s information and systems.

It would help if you also thought about your business’s longer-term objectives and future expansion. Choose a language that can aid your business’s development plans and align with your goals. Planning and choosing the correct language to scale and change with your business could prevent you from switching to a different language in the future.

Considering these factors, you can choose the DevOps programming program that best meets your business’s requirements and objectives.

Future Of Programming Languages

Nowadays, the programming world revolves around the concepts of AI and ML. This means that languages like Python, currently the primary driver of AI and machine learning, will likely increase in importance. In the future, developers can see an increase in the popularity of JavaScript dominating internet browsers and Java famous within the corporate world. Kotlin is widely utilized in mobile apps, as well as C++, which is often used for games and system-level programming.

As technology evolves, programming languages–both existing and yet-to-be-developed–will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a digital landscape. Their contribution to incorporating the latest technology features, L capabilities, improving AI, and advanced Internet of Things to become more critical.

While new languages emerge and develop, the old ones become less popular. For this reason, Analytics Insight recently published the following list of programming languages. These include popular languages such as Visual Basic and COBOL, which it anticipates will dramatically diminish in use and popularity until 2030. Because of this, developers and other decision-makers need to be updated on the rapidly changing realm of programming languages. 

With the ageing of existing programming languages and new languages entering the market, professionals must master new languages and continue to improve their skills. Anyone committed to ongoing instruction and learning will ease the selection of programming languages and increase the chances of running a successful program. They will also establish their standing within an increasingly competitive marketplace. They’ll be less likely to go out of business with once-popular programming languages if they don’t.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the appropriate programming language that will allow you to become a DevOps engineer is difficult. To select the best program, you must consider the type of project you would like to work on as a DevOps engineer. Python provides Hire Python Developers with simplicity and flexibility, whereas Java provides a robust stance. JavaScript is vital in web-related projects, while Golang performs excellently. PHP and Perl have specialities like Ruby, which provides elegant solutions. Be aware of the difficulty with the particular language. Do you know of any similar languages that are more easy to master? These questions will assist you in determining the most appropriate language for your professional career. Your best decision is based on the specific requirements and personal preferences.