Originally summarized from Mischa van den Burg’s YouTube video

DevOps isn't just about tools – it's about a mindset of automation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Here’s a powerful roadmap to level up in DevOps from scratch!

📜 Step 1: Learn Linux Fundamentals

Start with the basics of Linux, the backbone of most cloud and DevOps systems.

  • Boot Process
  • Filesystems
  • Permissions
  • systemd & Service Management
  • Package Managers (apt, yum, pacman, etc.)
  • Debugging Skills
  • Reading Logs (journalctl, dmesg, etc.)
  • Networking Fundamentals (e.g. configuring interfaces)
  • Bash Scripting

🎯 Optional Challenge: Try Arch Linux to deepen your skills.

📦 Step 2: Version Control with Git

  • Learn Git basics (clone, commit, push, pull, branch)
  • Practice collaboration via GitHub/GitLab
  • Use .gitignore, rebase, stash, and merge strategies

🐳 Step 3: Master Docker

  • Understand images vs containers
  • Volumes and bind mounts
  • Docker Networking (bridge, host, overlay) ▶️ Video: Docker Networking & More
  • Dev Containers (e.g., VS Code Remote Containers)
  • Run Docker in your homelab

📄 Step 4: Learn YAML

  • Understand indentation, syntax, and structure
  • Practice writing configurations for:
    • Docker Compose
    • GitHub Actions
    • Kubernetes manifests

👨‍💻 Step 5: Programming Skills

Focus on languages that are popular in automation:

  • Python: Automate tasks, work with APIs, write scripts
  • Go (Golang): Great for cloud tools and Kubernetes projects

☁️ Step 6: Learn a Cloud Provider

Pick one of the major cloud platforms:

  • Azure – Microsoft Learn, John Savill’s YouTube Channel
  • AWS – Free Tier, Hands-on Labs

Key Concepts:

  • IAM (Identity & Access Management)
  • Virtual Networks / VPC
  • Compute (EC2, Azure VM)
  • Storage & Backup
  • Monitoring & Logging

🎓 Certifications:

🛠️ Step 7: Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

🔁 Step 8: Continuous Integration / Deployment (CI/CD)

  • GitHub Actions
  • Jenkins (self-hosted pipelines)
  • Learn about triggers, workflows, and deployments

☸️ Step 9: Master Kubernetes

Only jump in after you’re confident in Linux and Docker.

  • Deploy local clusters (e.g., Minikube, K3s)
  • Learn core components (Pods, Services, Deployments, etc.)
  • Use GitOps for deployment (e.g., ArgoCD, Flux)
  • Host Kubernetes in your homelab ▶️ Homelab Setup Guide

🎓 Certifications:

🔐 Step 10: Cloud & Kubernetes Security

  • Learn Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
  • Understand Secrets Management
  • Explore Kubernetes security tools like Kyverno, OPA
  • Monitor vulnerabilities

📚 Step 11: Get Certified (Optional but Valuable)

  • RHCSA (Red Hat Certified SysAdmin)
  • LPIC-1 (Linux Professional Institute)
  • Terraform Associate
  • Azure / AWS / GCP Certifications
  • CKA, CKAD, CKS

🧠 Bonus: AI Infrastructure Knowledge (Optional for the curious)

If you want to work on the intersection of DevOps and AI/ML:

💬 Soft Skills & Networking

  • Collaborate effectively with developers, QA, and security
  • Communicate clearly (especially async via tools like Slack, GitHub)
  • Share your learnings publicly (GitHub, blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter)
  • Connect with DevOps communities (Discords, forums, events)

✅ Final Tips

  • Document your homelab journey
  • Make your projects public
  • Automate everything you can
  • Break things and fix them – that's the best learning!

💬 Got Questions or Feedback?

Feel free to drop a comment below or connect with me – happy to chat DevOps! 🔧🚀