Top 10 Programming and Scripting Languages for DevOps Engineers

These languages are the building blocks of efficient and innovative DevOps practices – and the keys to your success. 

From Python to Groovy, these are the best programming and scripting languages that will help your DevOps team automate repetitive tasks, accelerate deployments, and stay competitive in remote tech. 

Why are These Languages so Important for Remote Work?

Remote work brings unique challenges, including the need for increased automation and self-sufficiency. 

These languages help you to troubleshoot issues remotely and build custom tools without relying solely on physical access to infrastructure. 

They also encourage collaboration and communication in your remote team, through the creation of shared scripts and automation strategies.

So, which languages should you learn?

Here are the top 10 must-knows for 2024:

1. Python 

This incredibly versatile and beginner-friendly language shines in various DevOps tasks due to its simplicity and extensive libraries. 

Most used for web development and data analysis, users can automate deployment processes, build configuration management tools, or leverage Python's data analysis capabilities for insightful reporting.

2. Bash

The go-to language for command-line scripting, Bash allows you to automate repetitive tasks like server configuration, file management, and log analysis. This scripting superhero empowers you to work efficiently from your remote environment.

3. JavaScript 

With the rise of Node.js, JavaScript has become a key player in building backend tools and web applications used in DevOps workflows. Consistently ranking as the most used programming language, it’s tough to beat.  

Develop custom dashboards, monitoring tools, or integrate with APIs – JavaScript's versatility extends beyond the browser and into the realm of server-side DevOps operations.

4. Go 

Famed for its efficiency and concurrency, Go is widely used for building cloud-native applications and microservices, a perfect fit for the distributed nature of remote work. Go's fast compilation times ensure efficient development cycles, ideal for remote collaboration and iterative development processes.

5. Ruby 

Especially with frameworks like Rails, Ruby excels in rapid development cycles and automation tasks. Script deployment pipelines, manage infrastructure configurations, or build quick prototypes – Ruby's concise syntax and rich ecosystem of libraries make it a valuable asset for remote DevOps engineers.

6. Java 

Its robustness and scalability make Java a popular choice for enterprise-level DevOps projects. Develop large-scale applications, integrate with legacy systems, or build complex automation scripts – Java's object-oriented nature provides a solid foundation for remote teams tackling intricate projects.

7. YAML

This human-readable language is extensively used for configuration management, a core function of DevOps. 

Define infrastructure configurations, manage application deployments, or orchestrate containerized applications – YAML's simple syntax allows for easy collaboration and version control, ideal for remote teams working on the same configuration files.

8. PowerShell 

If you're working in a Windows environment, PowerShell is your go-to for automation and configuration. 

Manage Windows servers remotely, automate security updates, or create custom scripts for system administration tasks – PowerShell bridges the gap between remote engineers and Windows-based infrastructure.

9. Terraform (HCL)

This language allows you to write infrastructure as code (IaC), making it key for automating cloud infrastructure provisioning and management. 

Define cloud resources like virtual machines, networks, and storage remotely, enabling efficient infrastructure management from anywhere in the world.

10. Groovy 

Often used with Jenkins, Groovy helps you write pipelines for continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD). 

Automate the build, test, and deployment process, ensuring code quality and rapid delivery – Groovy empowers remote teams to streamline their development workflows and deliver software updates efficiently.

Mastering these languages equips you with these skills:

• Automate deployments and workflows: Free yourself from repetitive tasks and focus on higher-level problem-solving.
• Manage infrastructure: Whether in the cloud, on-premises, or a hybrid environment, efficiently manage your infrastructure remotely.
• Develop custom tools: Build tools tailored to your specific needs and streamline your DevOps processes.
• Collaborate effectively: Share scripts, automate tasks collaboratively, and ensure consistent configurations across your remote team.
• Stay competitive in the tech industry: By constantly expanding your skillset, you remain relevant and adaptable – essential for survival in remote tech. 

Use this as a guide to increase your fluency in the most popular programming and scripting languages, and identify the best one for your remote team.