Top 10 Programming and Scripting Languages for DevOps Engineers

DevOps, (Development and Operations), is an ever-evolving field that lays emphasis on collaboration, communication, and the continuous improvement of software development and deployment processes. As such, DevOps engineers should acquire proficiency in various programming and scripting languages. Proficiency in these languages speeds up the software release cycle and ensures frequent deliveries. 

What Is DevOps?

DevOps, short for “Development” and “Operations,” is a modern approach to software development and IT operations. It is all about making the process of building, testing, and deploying software faster and more efficient. Instead of treating development and operations as separate fields, DevOps encourages collaboration between these teams.

It emphasizes automation, allowing for quicker releases and fewer errors. With DevOps, everyone is able to streamline workflows, improve communication, and use tools to automate manual tasks. This results in more reliable software, quicker updates, and happier teams, ultimately benefiting businesses and end-users alike. 

DevOps revolutionizes how software is developed, deployed, and maintained, giving us more efficient and reliable software solutions.

To understand the industry’s current state, you must investigate the stats and latest trends. So, here is a great read from Radixweb, Top DevOps Stats That You Cannot Miss.

What is Programming Language?

A programming language is a special code that communicates with a computer. It is the language computers understand, and it is used to create all sorts of programs and applications.

It is like the building blocks of software. Each programming language has its own rules and style. Some of the most popular examples of programming languages are C, C++, and Java.

What is Scripting Language?

A scripting language is a tool for building web applications and similar software. Instead of directly turning high-level code into machine language, it uses an interpreter. Examples include JavaScript, PHP, Python, and BASH. These languages can be used alongside other programming languages, like HTML or Java, to add versatility to software development.

Difference between Programming and Script Languages

Programming languages are used to develop software with compiled code, converting high-level code to machine code before execution.

Scripting languages, on the other hand, are interpreted and used for tasks like automating repetitive actions or adding functionality to existing software, without the need for compilation.

Feature	Programming Languages	Scripting Languages
Compilation	Typically compiled into bytecode or machine code.	Interpreted, often executed line-by-line at runtime.
Performance	Generally faster due to prior compilation.	Slower due to on-the-fly interpretation.
Development Cycle	Compile then execute cycle.	Usually more immediate: write then run.
Use Cases	System programming, standalone applications, games, and large software systems.	Web development, automation tasks, gluing together processes, and quick prototyping.
Examples	C, C++, Java, Fortran.	Python, Perl, JavaScript, Ruby.
Integration	Often used to develop core functionalities.	Often used to interface with or glue together different systems.
Portability	May require recompilation for different platforms.	Often platform-independent due to reliance on an interpreter.
Typing	Can be statically typed (types checked at compile time).	Often dynamically typed (types checked at runtime).
Error Detection	Errors (especially type errors) are often caught during compilation.	Errors are typically detected at runtime.

Check this video out: Scripting Language Vs Programming Language | Difference Between Scripting And Programming Languages

Top 10 Programming and Scripting Languages for DevOps Engineers

Here are some of the programming and scripting languages for DevOps Engineers:

1. Python
2. Java
3. JavaScript
4. Golang
5. PHP
6. PERL
7. Ruby
8. Bash
9. Powershell
10. Groovy

1. Python

Python is not only a preferred programming language but also the most used scripting language around the world that is used for automation, scripting, and configuring infrastructure in web development, and its adaptability to these different situations make it a great choice for DevOps teams Python works well on Windows, macOS, and Linux. From website creation to application development, and machine learning, Python has a wide array of applications. 

Python is simple and open-source which makes it a popular choice for both beginners and experts. While Python may not be the fastest, it boasts extensive support and a plethora of valuable libraries.

• Performance: Python is suitable for most tasks, but not the fastest option for intensive operations. 
• Scalability: It works well for medium-sized projects but struggles with really big ones.
• Platform Compatibility: It is cross-platform and compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Ease of Learning: Python is easy to learn, especially for beginners.
• Community: There is a large and active community with lots of resources and libraries available for various applications for Python.

Python is widely used by organizations such as Google, NASA, Dropbox, and Instagram for a variety of applications including web development, scientific research, and data analysis due to its versatility and simplicity.

2. Java

Java is a programming language that is great for DevOps engineers to learn how to build and maintain robust automation tools and applications. It is very versatile and can be used to create software for different platforms. Many DevOps teams use Java for building web apps because they can easily add it to their existing code. This helps them adopt new technologies without redoing a lot of their already existing code.

Java supports object-oriented programming, has a garbage collection system, can handle multiple tasks at once, and can work with many distributed apps. That is why it is good for server-side apps. Java is commonly used in embedded systems because it lets us connect electronic devices using standard protocols like I2C and SPI.

• Performance: Java’s runtime execution is fast offering a high performance, which is important for big business apps.
• Scalability: It is highly scalable, so it is good for big and enterprise-level jobs.
• Platform Compatibility: Java can be written once and run on many devices making it a cross-platform. This makes Java flexible.
• Ease of Learning: Learning Java can take some time due to its object-oriented nature and syntax complexity, but once you become proficient, it indeed becomes a powerful and versatile programming language. 
• Community: Java has a big and strong community, especially among businesses and developers. That means you’ll have lots of help and resources available.

Many large organizations, including Google, Amazon, and Oracle, rely on Java for various aspects of their software development and infrastructure due to its portability and scalability.

3. JavaScript

JavaScript is a versatile scripting language used in DevOps to enhance user interactivity and functionality on websites and applications. It enables the creation of dynamic web forms, real-time updates, and interactive features, making it invaluable for automating tasks, managing infrastructure, and ensuring seamless user experiences in the DevOps pipeline.

If someone is new to programming, JavaScript might seem a bit tricky at first. It is a good idea to learn some other languages like Python and Java before learning JavaScript.

• Performance: It works moderately well in web browsers, but is ideal for making things interactive on the web.
• Scalability: JavaScript can handle big projects, making it great for creating web development that lots of people use.
• Platform Compatibility: JavaScript is needed to make websites work, and it can also run on servers using Node.js.
• Ease of Learning: It might take some practice, but learning JavaScript is important if we want to do web development.
• Community: JavaScript has a huge community of web developers with lots of helpful resources and frameworks.

JavaScript is widely used by tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Netflix to power their web applications, providing dynamic and interactive user experiences. 

4. Golang

Go(Golang), is an open-source, compiled, and statically typed programming language designed by Google. It checks for errors before running, which can help catch problems early. GO runs on the Google Go platform, and it is known for its impressive speed. Developers use it for web apps, command-line tools, and desktop programs.

Google improved Go to make it faster and use fewer resources compared to languages like Java or Python. . Also, unlike JavaScript, Go doesn’t need to be interpreted. When a GO program is compiled, it starts up quickly. Go works well for big software projects and analyzing lots of data. It has features that make it faster, like constant folding and dead code elimination.

• Performance: Go is really fast and compiles quickly. This makes it great for web apps and command-line tools.
• Scalability: It is built to handle many things happening at once. This is good for big projects.
• Platform Compatibility: Go works on different types of computers making it a cross-platform and is efficient and lightweight.
• Ease of Learning: Learning Go is not too hard. It is known for being simple and focused on performance.
• Community: There are many users of GO, and the community is growing. There are lots of resources to help us learn and solve problems.

Many prominent organizations, including Uber, and Dropbox, use Golang (Go) for its efficiency, concurrency support, and scalability in developing backend systems and microservices.

5. PHP

PHP is the most popular programming and scripting language for web development. Developers use PHP to create different kinds of websites, from small ones like personal blogs to really big ones for businesses.

PHP, both a programming and scripting language, works well for creating both static and dynamic websites. Additionally, PHP enables developers to seamlessly include payment processors, social media channels, and widgets in their web applications.

Developers independently work with PHP, but they also combine it with other scripting languages such as JavaScript and SQL. When PHP is used together with these languages, it helps to create a more comprehensive and versatile website.

• Performance: PHP works pretty well for web development and dynamic web pages.
• Scalability: It is a good choice for regular web applications, but if the project is large-scale, it might need careful planning.
• Platform Compatibility: PHP is cross-platform and widely used in web development across different systems.
• Ease of Learning: PHP is easy for beginners to learn, especially for server-side scripting.
• Community: The PHP community is big and has been around for a long time, especially in the world of web development. They provide a lot of help and have many useful libraries.

Many large organizations use PHP, including Facebook, which developed the language, and WordPress, which powers a significant portion of the internet’s websites.

6. PERL

PERL is a versatile scripting language that can aid DevOps engineers in various tasks. A DevOps engineer uses PERL for various tasks like web development, data analysis, networking, system administration, and machine learning. In web development, PERL can help create web applications and websites. It is flexible and can adapt to different web development needs. PERL is great for analyzing data. It can handle large datasets and perform calculations efficiently. 

PERL can assist in automating network tasks, making the job easier. It is a reliable choice for system administration tasks. It can automate repetitive tasks and maintain system stability. While it is not the top choice for machine learning, PERL can still be used for basic ML tasks and data processing. PERL frameworks consist of modules that work together to build complex applications. These frameworks are designed to simplify the development process.

• Performance: PERL’s performance is moderate, but well known for tasks like text processing and general scripting.
• Scalability: It is flexible but may not be the best fit for very large projects. PERL is great for smaller to medium-sized projects.
• Platform Compatibility: PERL is highly compatible with various operating systems, making it a cross-platform. It runs smoothly on almost all systems.
• Ease of Learning: Learning PERL can be moderate due to its diverse features. However, its versatility is a plus once you get the hang of it.
• Community: There is an active PERL community, especially in system administration and scripting. 

Organizations such as Amazon, Booking.com, and Craigslist use Perl for various tasks, including web development, automation, and system administration due to its powerful text processing capabilities and versatility. Perl continues to be a preferred language for scripting and handling complex data-parsing tasks.

7. Ruby

Ruby is a popular scripting language that many prefer for automating tasks. It is dynamic, easy to learn, and versatile, making it an excellent choice for web development, data science, and unit testing. Ruby is a top choice for beginners because it is easy to learn. DevOps engineers find Ruby useful for creating small web applications like content management systems (CMS). Ruby handles complex applications like messaging platforms and e-commerce websites. It is used to build web services and create APIs (application programming interfaces).

• Performance: Ruby offers moderate performance, which suits most scripting and automation needs in IT environments.
• Scalability: Ruby is versatile, so it is important to plan carefully for scalability when creating large applications.
• Cross-Platform: Ruby is compatible across different platforms, making it a go-to choice in cross-platform for web applications that need to run anywhere.
• Easy Learning: Thanks to its minimalist and readable code, Ruby is easy to learn. This makes it particularly appealing to those new to programming.
• Community Support: Ruby has a moderate-sized community that’s active in automation and scripting, so you’ll find plenty of resources and help when you need it.

Many organizations, including Airbnb and GitHub, use Ruby for web development and to build scalable and user-friendly platforms. Ruby’s elegant syntax and Rails framework make it a popular choice for rapid development and prototyping.

8. Bash

Bash scripts, also known as Linux Shell Scripting, are essential tools to help automate tasks like installations and configuration management. DevOps engineers rely on Bash to craft deployment scripts, simplifying the process of releasing new applications. Bash scripts are useful for many DevOps tasks due to their speed and simplicity.

• Performance: Bash scripts are lightweight and fast. They are great for small to medium-sized automation tasks. However, for very complex or resource-intensive tasks, other languages may be more suitable.
• Scalability: While Bash is excellent for automating everyday tasks, it may not scale well for extremely large projects. In such cases, DevOps teams often turn to more robust languages like Python or Ruby.
• Platform Compatibility: Bash scripts primarily run on Unix-based systems like Linux and macOS. They might require adjustments to work on Windows, making cross-platform compatibility tricky.
• Community: The Bash scripting community is extensive, with many resources and forums available for support. 

Bash is widely used by many organizations, including tech giants like Google and Facebook, for various system administration and automation tasks due to its versatility and compatibility with Unix-based systems. Additionally, many Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu and CentOS, rely heavily on Bash for system-level scripting and management.

9. Powershell

If you are a DevOps engineer working on Windows servers, Powershell is the best friend for the engineers. Powershell is a tool from Microsoft that helps to automate tasks, write scripts, and manage configurations. It works smoothly with Windows systems. It can be used for crunching numbers and analyzing data.

• Performance: PowerShell is fast. It can quickly execute tasks and manage Windows systems efficiently.
• Scalability: Whether managing a few servers or a large network, PowerShell scales well. 
• Platform Compatibility: PowerShell is made for Windows but works seamlessly on other platforms too for example Linux and macOS.
• Community: There are plenty of resources, scripts, and experts ready to assist in Powershell.

Many organizations, including Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM, use PowerShell for automation, configuration management, and system administration tasks due to its versatility and compatibility with Windows environments. PowerShell’s wide adoption extends to industries like tech, finance, healthcare, and beyond.

10. Groovy

Groovy is a scripting language that is based on Java, so learning Groovy is easy. It is mainly used for automating tasks in software development, like creating files, compiling code, and running tests. When it comes to DevOps, Groovy is super popular in Jenkins. If you are familiar with Groovy scripting, writing Jenkins pipelines and shared libraries becomes easy.  It helps streamline the software development process.

• Performance: Groovy performs well. It is not the fastest language, but it can easily handle most tasks. 
• Scalability: Groovy can handle medium-sized projects without a hitch. For really large-scale and complex projects, there might be challenges.
• Platform Compatibility: Groovy is compatible with various platforms, especially since it is based on Java. This means it can be used on different operating systems without much trouble.
• Community: Lots of resources and help online are available for Groovy, making it easier to learn.

Organizations such as Netflix, which heavily relies on Groovy for its microservices architecture, and Apache Software Foundation, where Groovy is used in various projects, have adopted Groovy as a programming language to enhance their software development and automation processes.

Conclusion:

When it comes to choosing the right programming and scripting languages for DevOps engineers, these top 10 can be the go-to options. Python offers simplicity and versatility, while Java brings robustness. JavaScript is crucial for web-related tasks, and Golang excels in performance. PHP and Perl have their specialties, and Ruby offers classy solutions. Bash and PowerShell are essential for scripting and automation, while Groovy is useful for Jenkins and other tools. The best choice depends on the specific needs and preferences. 

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