200-901: DevNet Associate (DEVASC) certification video training course by prepaway along with practice test questions and answers, study guide and exam dumps provides the ultimate training package to help you pass.

Cisco 200-901 DEVASC – DevNet Associate Certification

Course overview 

Networking has moved far beyond configuring devices through the command line. Today’s engineers need to understand software development principles because modern networks depend on programmability. This section introduces the key concepts of software development that are tested in the 200-901 DEVASC exam and applied in real environments. Learning these concepts will give you the ability to write scripts, understand automation frameworks, and contribute to collaborative projects. Even if you are not aiming to be a full-time developer, these skills are crucial for managing and automating network infrastructures.

The Role of Programming in Network Automation

Automation in networks requires code. Whether you are writing a script to configure devices or building an application that consumes Cisco APIs, programming knowledge gives you control. For network engineers, this does not mean becoming a software architect. Instead, it means understanding how code works, how to reuse existing libraries, and how to debug when issues occur. By mastering basic programming principles, you gain the flexibility to solve problems faster and implement solutions consistently.

Programming Languages Overview

Python is the primary language used in the DevNet Associate exam and in Cisco automation environments. Its simplicity and readability make it ideal for beginners while still being powerful enough for advanced projects. JavaScript is also important because of its role in web development and APIs. Many Cisco platforms provide interfaces that use JavaScript Object Notation, or JSON, which you will need to understand. Other languages like Go, Ruby, and Java exist in the ecosystem, but for the exam, Python and JavaScript are the primary focus.

Understanding Python Basics

Python is often considered the first language to learn for network automation. Its syntax is clear and easy to read. You will work with variables, data types, loops, and conditionals. Each of these concepts allows you to control the flow of your program. For example, you might write a loop to go through a list of devices and send configuration commands automatically. Learning how to handle functions is also important. Functions let you create reusable code blocks, making your scripts more efficient.

Working with Data Structures

Data structures are essential in programming. They define how data is stored, organized, and manipulated. Lists in Python allow you to group values together. Dictionaries let you store data as key-value pairs, which is very useful when working with device configurations or API responses. Understanding data structures will help you make sense of JSON, which is the standard format for API data exchange.

Version Control with Git

Collaboration is a core part of software development. Git is the tool used to track changes in code, manage versions, and collaborate with others. In this course, you will learn how to initialize a Git repository, commit changes, and push them to a remote repository like GitHub. Version control ensures that you never lose your work and that you can collaborate with teams effectively. It is also part of the 200-901 exam objectives.

Software Development Lifecycle

The software development lifecycle, or SDLC, describes how applications are planned, built, tested, and maintained. The stages include requirement gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Understanding this cycle will help you see where automation fits into the bigger picture. Agile and DevOps practices are often used in modern environments. These approaches emphasize collaboration, continuous testing, and fast delivery of features.

Working with REST and Data Formats

Much of software development in networking revolves around interacting with REST APIs. To do this effectively, you must understand common data formats. JSON is the most important, as it is lightweight and easy for both humans and machines to read. XML may also appear in some contexts, though it is less common today. Knowing how to parse and manipulate these data formats with Python will allow you to automate network tasks efficiently.

Error Handling and Debugging

No code is perfect the first time. Errors will occur, and you need to know how to handle them. Python provides mechanisms for catching and handling errors so that your script does not crash unexpectedly. Debugging skills are equally important. You will learn to read error messages, test sections of code, and identify logical mistakes. These skills make you more independent when writing automation scripts.

APIs and Software Integration Basics

The foundation of modern automation is integration through APIs. While this section does not go into full detail yet, it introduces the concept. An API allows your code to communicate with external services, such as Cisco DNA Center or Meraki. This is where your programming knowledge directly connects with networking platforms. Understanding the basics now will make later modules easier to absorb.

Preparing for Practical Exercises

This part of the course includes labs and coding exercises. You will practice writing Python scripts, working with Git, and parsing JSON data. These hands-on tasks reinforce the concepts discussed here and prepare you for the exam’s practical scenarios.

Introduction to Software Development in Networking

Networking is no longer only about configuring devices through the command line. Modern networks rely heavily on programmability, APIs, and automation. Understanding software development principles allows network engineers to write scripts, automate tasks, and integrate systems efficiently. This part of the course introduces key software concepts that are essential for the 200-901 DEVASC exam and practical automation scenarios.

The Role of Programming in Network Automation

Automation requires code. Whether sending configuration commands to multiple devices or interacting with network APIs, programming gives you control and efficiency. You do not need to become a full-time developer, but you must understand how code works, how to reuse existing libraries, and how to debug issues. These skills make automation reliable and scalable.

Programming Languages Overview

Python is the primary language for Cisco automation and the DevNet Associate exam. Its readability and simplicity make it ideal for beginners while remaining powerful for complex tasks. JavaScript is also relevant, especially for web applications and API responses using JSON. Other languages like Go, Ruby, and Java exist, but the course focuses mainly on Python and JavaScript.

Understanding Python Basics

Python uses simple syntax and readable code. You will learn about variables, data types, loops, and conditionals, which control program flow. Loops allow you to iterate through devices or configurations, while conditionals let your scripts make decisions. Functions are reusable code blocks that make scripts more organized and efficient.

Working with Data Structures

Data structures define how data is stored, organized, and manipulated. Lists store multiple values, while dictionaries use key-value pairs, which is useful for API responses and device configurations. Understanding these structures is critical for handling JSON data, the standard format for API interactions.

Version Control with Git

Collaboration and version tracking are essential in software development. Git allows you to manage changes, maintain versions, and work with others efficiently. You will learn to initialize repositories, commit changes, and push code to platforms like GitHub. Version control ensures that work is secure, reproducible, and collaborative.

Software Development Lifecycle

The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) describes how applications are planned, designed, developed, tested, deployed, and maintained. Understanding SDLC helps you see where automation fits into workflows. Agile and DevOps practices focus on collaboration, continuous integration, and rapid delivery, which are important in modern IT environments.

Working with REST and Data Formats

REST APIs are central to automation. They allow code to interact with external services, including Cisco platforms. JSON is the most commonly used format because it is lightweight and easy to parse. XML is less common but may appear. Learning to parse and manipulate data formats with Python allows you to interact with APIs effectively.

Error Handling and Debugging

Errors are inevitable in programming. Python provides mechanisms to catch and handle errors, preventing scripts from crashing. Debugging skills allow you to analyze error messages, test code sections, and fix logic mistakes. Mastering these skills is essential for reliable automation scripts.

APIs and Software Integration Basics

APIs enable communication between your code and external systems. Cisco platforms like DNA Center and Meraki expose APIs that allow automation and monitoring. Understanding how to make API calls, handle responses, and integrate systems is foundational for network programmability. This knowledge sets the stage for more advanced topics in later modules.

Preparing for Practical Exercises

Hands-on labs are an integral part of learning. You will write Python scripts, use Git for version control, and manipulate JSON data. Practicing these exercises reinforces the concepts from this part and prepares you for the exam’s practical scenarios.

Introduction to APIs and Network Automation

APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are the backbone of modern network automation. They allow applications and devices to communicate with one another in a standardized way. Without APIs, network automation would require manual configuration, which is time-consuming and error-prone. This part of the course introduces APIs in depth, explaining their role in network programmability, their architecture, and how to use them effectively with Cisco platforms.

Understanding APIs is essential for anyone pursuing the Cisco DevNet Associate certification. They enable you to automate repetitive tasks, extract meaningful data, and integrate multiple systems. This section will also explore how APIs relate to DevOps practices, network orchestration, and real-time monitoring.

What is an API

An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows one application to interact with another. It defines how requests should be made, how data should be structured, and how responses are returned. APIs can be used to read device information, configure settings, or trigger actions automatically.

In network environments, APIs replace manual command-line operations. For example, instead of logging into multiple switches to change configurations, a single API call can push changes to all devices simultaneously. This approach reduces errors, saves time, and ensures consistency across the network.

Types of APIs in Networking

Networking uses several types of APIs, each with specific use cases. REST APIs are the most common and are widely used in Cisco platforms. They use HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to interact with resources. SOAP APIs are less common but still exist, particularly in legacy systems. WebSocket APIs are used for real-time communication between devices and applications.

Understanding these types and when to use them is critical. REST APIs are lightweight and suitable for most automation tasks. SOAP APIs require more strict XML formatting but provide robust enterprise integration. WebSockets are essential for applications that need continuous updates, such as monitoring dashboards.

REST API Architecture

REST, or Representational State Transfer, is a widely adopted API architecture in modern networking. RESTful APIs use standard HTTP methods and status codes to perform operations. Resources, such as devices or configurations, are represented as URLs, and data is often returned in JSON format.

A REST API client sends a request to a server, specifying the resource and action. The server processes the request and returns a response, which may include data, confirmation of an action, or an error message. This simplicity and standardization make REST APIs ideal for automation.

HTTP Methods and Status Codes

Understanding HTTP methods is crucial when working with REST APIs. The most common methods are GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE. GET retrieves information from a resource without modifying it. POST creates a new resource. PUT updates an existing resource entirely, while PATCH updates part of a resource. DELETE removes a resource.

HTTP status codes indicate the result of an API call. Codes in the 200 range indicate success, 400 range indicates client errors, and 500 range indicates server errors. Learning to interpret these codes is essential for troubleshooting automation scripts and ensuring successful operations.

JSON and Data Handling

JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation, is the standard data format for REST APIs. JSON represents data as key-value pairs, making it easy for both humans and machines to read. For example, a device’s configuration might be represented as a JSON object with keys for hostname, IP address, and interface settings.

Manipulating JSON data is a key skill. You need to extract values, modify them, and send updated JSON objects back to the API. Python libraries like json simplify this process and make it easier to integrate with network automation tasks.

Authentication and Security

APIs require authentication to ensure that only authorized users can access resources. Common authentication methods include API keys, OAuth tokens, and basic authentication. Security is critical because APIs can modify network configurations and access sensitive data.

Understanding how to handle authentication programmatically is essential. You must know how to store credentials securely, refresh tokens, and handle permissions correctly. Many Cisco platforms implement role-based access control, which determines what actions an API user can perform.

Cisco Platforms Supporting APIs

Cisco provides several platforms with robust API support. Cisco DNA Center allows for automation of network configurations, device provisioning, and monitoring. The Meraki dashboard offers cloud-based API access to configure and monitor devices. Cisco IOS XE also supports programmable interfaces for automation and integration.

Learning to navigate these platforms and understand their API capabilities is critical for practical automation. Each platform provides detailed documentation, including available endpoints, required parameters, and example requests and responses.

Making API Calls with Python

Python is commonly used to interact with APIs. Libraries such as requests and http.client simplify sending HTTP requests and handling responses. A typical workflow involves constructing a request, sending it to the API endpoint, parsing the response, and performing subsequent actions based on the results.

For example, you might write a script to retrieve all connected devices from Cisco DNA Center, filter them based on status, and generate a report. Understanding how to structure these scripts is a key skill for the DevNet Associate exam and real-world tasks.

Error Handling in API Integration

Errors are common when working with APIs. These can result from network issues, incorrect request formatting, or authentication problems. Proper error handling ensures that your automation scripts do not fail silently.

Techniques include checking HTTP status codes, validating response data, using try-except blocks in Python, and implementing retries for transient errors. Effective error handling improves script reliability and provides meaningful feedback for troubleshooting.

API Rate Limiting and Performance

Many APIs impose rate limits to prevent abuse. Understanding how to respect these limits is essential for efficient automation. Exceeding limits can result in temporary blocks, which disrupt automation workflows.

Performance considerations also include optimizing requests, minimizing unnecessary API calls, and handling large datasets efficiently. Techniques such as pagination, filtering, and caching improve performance and ensure scripts run smoothly in production environments.

Network Programmability Concepts

Network programmability involves using APIs, scripts, and automation tools to configure and manage networks dynamically. It shifts the paradigm from manual configuration to automated, repeatable, and scalable operations.

Key concepts include Infrastructure as Code (IaC), model-driven programmability, and event-driven automation. IaC treats network configurations as code, which can be version-controlled, tested, and deployed consistently. Model-driven programmability uses templates and schemas to ensure configurations adhere to best practices. Event-driven automation triggers actions based on network events, such as link failures or security alerts.

Working with Cisco DNA Center APIs

Cisco DNA Center provides a centralized platform for network management and automation. Its APIs allow you to provision devices, manage policies, and monitor performance. You can retrieve network topology, push configuration templates, and generate compliance reports programmatically.

Using Python scripts, you can interact with DNA Center APIs to automate routine tasks, reduce errors, and improve operational efficiency. Familiarity with endpoints, request parameters, and authentication methods is essential.

Using Meraki APIs

Meraki devices are cloud-managed and offer extensive API support. Meraki APIs allow you to manage wireless, switching, and security devices from the cloud. Tasks include retrieving device status, updating firmware, and configuring SSIDs.

Automation with Meraki APIs can significantly reduce manual work for large deployments. By combining API calls with Python scripts, you can generate reports, monitor network health, and apply consistent configurations across multiple sites.

Integrating APIs with Network Monitoring

APIs are also critical for monitoring and telemetry. By integrating APIs with monitoring tools, you can collect real-time data, generate alerts, and perform automated remediation.

For example, you can retrieve interface statistics, detect high utilization, and automatically adjust policies. This approach enables proactive network management and supports operational excellence.

Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD) in Networking

CI/CD pipelines, common in software development, are increasingly applied to network automation. Scripts and configuration templates can be version-controlled, tested in staging environments, and deployed automatically.

This approach ensures that network changes are consistent, verified, and repeatable. Combining APIs with CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitLab improves efficiency and reduces risks associated with manual configuration changes.

Hands-On API Exercises

Practical exercises reinforce concepts. You will write Python scripts to retrieve network data, modify configurations, and integrate multiple Cisco platforms. Labs will include authentication handling, error management, and parsing JSON responses.

You will also practice combining API calls with logic statements to perform conditional operations, automate repetitive tasks, and generate reports. These exercises prepare you for both the exam and real-world automation challenges.

Advanced API Techniques

Advanced techniques include chaining API calls, working with asynchronous requests, and handling large datasets efficiently. These methods are important for scalable automation in enterprise networks.

You will also learn to combine APIs with other tools, such as Ansible, to orchestrate complex workflows across multiple devices and platforms.

Introduction to Cisco Platforms

Cisco platforms provide the foundation for network automation and programmability. They allow administrators to configure, monitor, and manage devices programmatically using APIs and automation tools. Understanding these platforms is critical for the 200-901 DEVASC exam and real-world networking tasks.

Cisco DNA Center Overview

Cisco DNA Center is a centralized network management platform that enables automation, assurance, and analytics. It supports device provisioning, policy enforcement, and telemetry collection. DNA Center APIs allow programmatic access to these features, enabling automation workflows for device onboarding, configuration, and compliance verification.

Key Features of DNA Center

Automation: DNA Center supports zero-touch provisioning, configuration templates, and policy-driven automation. Analytics: It collects telemetry data to provide insights into network performance and health. Assurance: DNA Center monitors network behavior and provides actionable alerts. Integration: REST APIs and SDKs allow integration with custom applications and automation scripts.

Working with DNA Center APIs

DNA Center APIs provide endpoints to manage network devices, templates, and users. Using Python or Postman, you can interact with the API to retrieve device inventory, push configuration templates, or gather network telemetry. Understanding endpoints, parameters, authentication, and JSON responses is essential.

Meraki Cloud Platform

Cisco Meraki is a cloud-managed networking platform that provides wireless, switching, security, and SD-WAN solutions. Meraki’s dashboard exposes APIs for device configuration, monitoring, and reporting. Automation with Meraki APIs simplifies managing multiple devices and locations from a central platform.

Meraki API Capabilities

Device Management: Retrieve and update device settings programmatically. Network Monitoring: Collect statistics, health data, and usage metrics. Configuration: Update firmware, SSID configurations, and security policies. Reporting: Generate automated reports for compliance or performance analysis.

Cisco IOS XE and Programmability

Cisco IOS XE is an operating system for enterprise routers and switches. It supports programmability through RESTCONF, NETCONF, and gNMI protocols. IOS XE enables automation of device configurations and integration with external orchestration tools.

RESTCONF and NETCONF Basics

RESTCONF and NETCONF are protocols for device management. RESTCONF uses HTTP methods and JSON or XML, while NETCONF uses XML over SSH. Both allow programmatic access to device configurations. Understanding these protocols is essential for automating network tasks with IOS XE.

Model-Driven Programmability

Model-driven programmability uses structured data models, like YANG, to define device configurations. This approach ensures consistency, reduces errors, and supports automation. Platforms like DNA Center and IOS XE leverage model-driven APIs for configuration management.

Automation Tools Overview

Automation tools simplify repetitive network tasks. Tools like Ansible, Terraform, and Puppet allow administrators to define network configurations as code. These tools integrate with Cisco platforms via APIs, enabling consistent, scalable, and repeatable workflows.

Ansible for Cisco Automation

Ansible is an open-source automation platform that uses YAML playbooks to define tasks. It integrates with Cisco devices using modules for IOS, NX-OS, and Meraki. Ansible simplifies deployment, configuration updates, and compliance checks across multiple devices.

Terraform for Network Infrastructure

Terraform provides Infrastructure as Code (IaC) capabilities. It allows you to define network resources in code and deploy them consistently. Terraform works with Cisco platforms to automate device provisioning, VLAN creation, and SD-WAN deployments.

Python and Automation Scripts

Python scripts can automate Cisco platform interactions. Using libraries like requests and netmiko, you can connect to devices, retrieve configurations, and apply changes. Python allows more granular control for custom workflows beyond predefined automation tools.

Event-Driven Automation

Event-driven automation triggers actions based on network events. For example, a script can automatically reroute traffic if a link fails or adjust QoS policies when congestion occurs. DNA Center and Meraki platforms support event subscriptions and webhooks for this type of automation.

Continuous Integration and Deployment for Networks

CI/CD pipelines improve the reliability and efficiency of network automation. By integrating scripts and configuration templates into CI/CD workflows, you can validate changes in staging environments and deploy them automatically to production devices. Tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and Ansible Tower facilitate CI/CD for network operations.

Telemetry and Streaming Data

Network telemetry provides real-time insights into device performance and network health. Platforms like DNA Center and IOS XE support streaming telemetry protocols, including gNMI and NETCONF notifications. Telemetry data allows proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and automated remediation.

Monitoring and Assurance

Automated monitoring ensures network compliance and performance. DNA Center provides assurance dashboards, alerts, and analytics APIs. Meraki APIs allow programmatic access to health statistics, device uptime, and connectivity metrics. Combining telemetry with automation enables proactive and predictive network operations.

Hands-On Labs for Cisco Platforms

Practical exercises reinforce learning. Labs include interacting with DNA Center APIs to retrieve device inventory, using Ansible playbooks for configuration updates, and writing Python scripts for telemetry data collection. These exercises prepare students for both the exam and real-world tasks.

Integration Across Platforms

Modern network environments often include multiple Cisco platforms. Integrating DNA Center, Meraki, and IOS XE systems allows unified automation, monitoring, and reporting. Using APIs and automation tools, you can create workflows that span platforms, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

Best Practices for Cisco Automation

Follow structured development practices when automating network tasks. Use version control to manage scripts and templates. Test configurations in staging environments before production deployment. Implement error handling and logging to ensure reliable automation. Apply security principles for authentication, encryption, and role-based access control.

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