DevOps, the fusion of development and operations, has become a vital methodology for software development teams aiming to improve collaboration, efficiency, and deployment speed. As businesses increasingly shift toward cloud computing, automation, and continuous delivery, the demand for DevOps professionals has skyrocketed. To meet this need, various online training programs offer in-depth, flexible courses to help learners understand and apply DevOps principles effectively.
This article explores the best DevOps training programs available online, guiding you through the most reputable platforms, their course offerings, and how these programs can set you up for a successful career in DevOps.
Why DevOps Training is Crucial
DevOps professionals play a crucial role in bridging the gap between software developers and IT operations teams. They streamline the software development lifecycle by automating processes, increasing collaboration, and improving infrastructure scalability. As organizations grow increasingly reliant on DevOps practices, gaining expertise through formal training is essential for career advancement.
DevOps training equips professionals with critical skills like:
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): Automating software deployment for faster releases.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Using code to automate the management of infrastructure.
- Automation Tools: Proficiency in tools such as Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, Ansible, and Terraform.
- Monitoring and Logging: Ensuring system reliability through real-time monitoring.
- Cloud Computing: Using cloud services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for scalability and efficiency.
Top DevOps Training Programs Online
Below is a list of the best online DevOps training programs available today. These platforms offer courses that cater to beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced professionals.
1. Udemy
Overview: Udemy offers a wide variety of DevOps training programs, ranging from beginner-friendly courses to advanced certifications. The platform is known for its affordable pricing and the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
Key Courses:
- DevOps Essentials – A beginner-friendly course covering the basics of DevOps, continuous integration, and delivery pipelines.
- Learn DevOps: The Complete Kubernetes Course – A deep dive into Kubernetes, one of the most popular DevOps tools for container orchestration.
- Docker for DevOps – Learn Docker for automating application deployment and container management.
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Focused on mastering AWS services for DevOps engineers.
Why Choose Udemy?
- Affordable prices with frequent discounts.
- Lifetime access to course materials.
- Wide variety of courses for different DevOps tools and techniques.
- Interactive features like quizzes and assignments.
Best For: Beginners to intermediate learners looking for a cost-effective, self-paced approach.
2. Coursera
Overview: Coursera partners with top universities and organizations like Google, IBM, and University of California to provide high-quality DevOps training programs. Many of these programs are part of larger specializations and certifications.
Key Courses:
- Google IT Automation with Python – A beginner-level course teaching Python automation for IT professionals, an essential DevOps skill.
- DevOps Culture and Mindset – Offered by the University of California, this course introduces the DevOps principles and culture.
- IBM DevOps and Software Engineering – A comprehensive program that covers CI/CD, cloud computing, and DevOps tools used by IBM.
Why Choose Coursera?
- Offers university-backed programs and certifications.
- Interactive courses with video lectures, peer reviews, and quizzes.
- Flexible learning schedule for working professionals.
- Possibility to earn recognized certificates from top institutions.
Best For: Those seeking accredited certifications from recognized institutions.
3. LinkedIn Learning
Overview: Formerly known as Lynda, LinkedIn Learning offers a range of DevOps courses for professionals aiming to upgrade their skills. These courses are designed for individuals already working in the IT or development field who wish to expand their expertise.
Key Courses:
- DevOps Foundations – A foundational course covering the principles, tools, and practices of DevOps.
- Learning Kubernetes – A course for mastering container orchestration and using Kubernetes in production.
- Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) – Learn to implement CI/CD pipelines with popular tools like Jenkins.
Why Choose LinkedIn Learning?
- Integration with LinkedIn profiles for easy showcasing of skills.
- Practical insights from industry experts.
- Access to learning paths and courses from top instructors.
- One-month free trial.
Best For: Working professionals looking for skill-building in specific DevOps areas.
4. edX
Overview: edX offers high-quality, self-paced, and instructor-led DevOps programs from prestigious institutions such as Microsoft, Harvard, and MIT. These courses offer a structured approach to learning DevOps concepts and tools.
Key Courses:
- Microsoft DevOps Fundamentals – An introduction to DevOps practices and tools, particularly in a Microsoft environment.
- DevOps for Developers – A program designed for software developers who want to learn about DevOps principles and practices.
- Introduction to Cloud DevOps – An essential course for DevOps professionals who need a strong understanding of cloud environments.
Why Choose edX?
- Offers both free courses and verified certificates.
- Highly recognized and prestigious certifications.
- Option to pursue full professional programs or micro-degrees.
- Collaboration with renowned universities.
Best For: Learners seeking comprehensive, in-depth knowledge with recognized credentials.
5. A Cloud Guru
Overview: A Cloud Guru focuses specifically on cloud computing and DevOps. It offers interactive courses designed to help learners master cloud services and DevOps tools. The platform also has a community-driven approach with discussion boards and challenges.
Key Courses:
- DevOps Essentials – Learn about core DevOps concepts such as automation, CI/CD, and monitoring.
- Kubernetes for Developers – Deep dive into Kubernetes for managing containerized applications.
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional – A certification-focused course for DevOps engineers looking to specialize in AWS services.
Why Choose A Cloud Guru?
- Focuses on cloud technologies and DevOps practices.
- Hands-on labs and real-world scenarios.
- Active community of learners and experts.
- Practice exams and quizzes to assess progress.
Best For: Learners looking for hands-on, cloud-based DevOps training.
6. Pluralsight
Overview: Pluralsight offers an extensive library of DevOps courses tailored for professionals who want to sharpen their skills in specific DevOps tools, practices, or cloud platforms. The platform provides skill assessments and learning paths to guide users.
Key Courses:
- DevOps Foundations – Understand DevOps principles, tools, and automation practices.
- Terraform for DevOps – Learn how to use Terraform for Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
- Building CI/CD Pipelines – A comprehensive course on implementing CI/CD pipelines with various tools.
Why Choose Pluralsight?
- Focused on technology and development professionals.
- Detailed skill assessments and learning paths.
- Hands-on labs to practice real-world scenarios.
- Free trial for new users.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced professionals focused on DevOps tools and cloud platforms.
The rise of DevOps has significantly impacted the software development lifecycle. With many organizations adopting DevOps principles, there is a high demand for skilled professionals. Online training programs offer a flexible, self-paced way to gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.
Each of the platforms discussed above provides high-quality DevOps training, with some offering free content and others providing certificates from top institutions. Whether you are a beginner looking for an introduction to DevOps or an advanced professional wanting to master specific tools, there’s a course for you.
Investing in a comprehensive DevOps training program will not only enhance your career but also give you the skills to help organizations improve their software delivery processes and automate operations more effectively. Choose the program that best suits your learning style, budget, and career goals, and get started on your DevOps journey today!