Your First Step into Python (as a Network Engineer)

Welcome to your very first Python lesson in the Packets & Python series, published through The Routing Intent newsletter.

If you're a network engineer with zero background in programming or you've always been curious about Python but didn’t know where to start, this post is for you.

We're going back to the very beginning, breaking down what Python is, how it works, and what you need to set up before writing your first line of meaningful code. This is the starting point for your journey into network automation, observability, and tooling development with Python, and we’re building the foundations the right way.

We’ll cover basic concepts like variables, expressions, and simple operations using real-world networking scenarios to make the learning practical and relevant to your daily work. Even if you’ve never coded before, you won’t be lost here. Every example is built with clarity and context in mind.

If you’re already experienced with Python, or you’ve automated scripts and built tooling before, feel free to skip this post or scan through for a quick review. But if you’re new, stay with us; this is the beginning of something big.

👉 From here on out, every concept will build on the last. Complexity will grow progressively. The goal is not just to learn Python, but to learn Python like a network engineer. Ready? Let’s begin.

Introduction to Python

Python is a versatile programming language that’s not only powerful but also pretty beginner-friendly. Created by Guido van Rossum and launched back in 1991, Python is a great choice for network engineers diving into network automation. You can whip up small projects really quickly, and when you’re ready to tackle bigger challenges, Python scales up nicely for mission-critical applications. 

It provides useful high-level data structures and keeps things simple, which is a major plus for those of us who value solid object-oriented programming. Plus, with its clean syntax and dynamic typing, Python is great for scripting and rapid app development, making it a top choice for automating network tasks across multiple platforms. Give it a try; you'll find it’s both powerful and easy to use!

Take a look at any Python documentation, and you'll notice a ton of references to spam, eggs, and the number 42. All these nods are a tribute to Monty Python, the comedy troupe that inspired the language's name. Although Guido van Rossum named Python after the group, the official mascot ended up being the python snake. So, what makes Python stand out among all the other programming languages? Here's why:

Python is Easy to Use

Every programming language aims to connect the programmer's mind to the computer. Languages like C# and Java, which you've likely heard of, are high-level languages - they're closer to human language than the computer's own language. And that's true.

But Python, with its straightforward and simple rules, comes even closer to English.

Writing programs in Python is so easy that it's been called "programming at the speed of thought." Python's simplicity boosts productivity for professional programmers, allowing them to create programs faster and with fewer lines of code compared to other popular languages.

Python is Powerful

Python packs all the power you'd expect from a modern programming language. In this Packets & Python newsletter series, you'll learn to write programs that use a GUI, process files, and handle various data structures. With its robust capabilities, Python has drawn developers worldwide, earning a reputation for being used by top companies in a range of industries.

Python is Object-Oriented

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a modern way to solve computer problems. It uses a straightforward method to represent information and actions in a program.

While it's not the only way to write programs, it's often the best choice for large projects.

Languages like C#, Java, and Python are all object-oriented, but Python takes it to the next level. In C# and Java, using OOP is mandatory, making small programs unnecessarily complex and requiring a lot of explanation before a new programmer can get started.

Python, on the other hand, lets you choose when to use OOP techniques. You have all the power of OOP at your fingertips, but you can use it only when you need it. If you have a short program that doesn't require OOP, no worries. If you have a large project with a team of programmers that demands OOP, that works too. Python gives you this flexibility and power.

Python is a "Glue" Language

Put simply, Python can be combined with other languages like C, C++, and Java. This allows programmers to build on existing work in another language while using Python.

It also lets them tap into the strengths of other languages, such as the speed boost from C or C++, while keeping the ease of development that makes Python so attractive.

Python Runs Everywhere

Python is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. That's just the beginning, though.

Since Python programs are platform-independent, they'll run on any computer with Python installed, no matter which operating system you used to create them.

For example, if you write a program on your Windows PC, you can send a copy to a friend who uses Mac or Linux, and it'll still work as long as Python is installed on their computer.

Python Has a Strong Community

Many programming languages have dedicated project groups and communities, but Python also has a unique resource called the Python Tutor mailing list. This is a more relaxed space for new programmers to ask their first questions.

Although the list is called Tutor, anyone from beginners to experts can answer questions.

Python has other communities that focus on different areas, but what they all share is a friendly and open atmosphere. It's no surprise, given how approachable the language is for beginners.

Python is Free and Open Source

Python is completely free. You can install it on your computer without ever paying a dime. But its license lets you do even more.

You're free to copy or modify Python, or even the Python language itself if you'd like. Embracing open-source ideals like this is a significant part of what makes Python so widely used and successful.

Subscribe to our premium content to read the rest.