S8. Automation and infrastructure as code

Outcome: you can build repeatable environments from code instead of by hand.

Skills: PowerShell scripting and modules, Bash scripting, ARM templates and Bicep, Azure CLI, Ansible basics, Git workflows, secrets handling.

Labs

1. Rewrite the S2 user creation script with parameters, logging and error handling.
2. Deploy a virtual network, a storage account and a VM from a Bicep file. Redeploy it to prove it is repeatable.
3. Write the same deployment with the Azure CLI and compare.
4. Write an Ansible playbook that configures LNX1 and LNX2 identically (users, packages, firewall, SSH).
5. Put every script into Git with meaningful commits and a README.
6. Linux lane: write a Bash script with functions, arguments and a cron or systemd timer.

Prove it: a repo folder of scripts and templates that a teammate can run cold to rebuild an environment.

Certs: AZ-104 (ARM and Bicep), Linux+ (automation, orchestration and scripting, 17%), Cloud+ (DevOps fundamentals), LPIC-1 (shell scripting).

Gate: AZ-104.