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Learn DevOps techniques in a home lab
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Article
Install Vagrant to deploy an immutable infrastructure
This tutorial explains the steps to install Vagrant in the DevOps lab then manage a VM deployment as immutable infrastructure. Read Now
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Article
Control infrastructure code through GitHub
GitHub is a distributed version control platform, and it's not just for application code. In this step, learn to use Git as the central repository for infrastructure code, so you can roll back revisions and quash configuration drift with ease. Read Now
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Article
Learn configuration management concepts with Ansible
Create a consistent and redeployable stack by using configuration management tool Ansible with Vagrant and GitHub. In this tutorial, string commands together to create an Ansible playbook and commit it to Git. Read Now
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Article
An introduction to containers and Docker swarm mode
Include Docker in your DevOps home lab to become versed in container management using Docker swarm mode before the enterprise adopts containers. Read Now
Editor's note
IT administrators who want to learn DevOps techniques cannot always convince their superiors to allow them to test out configuration management tools or practice container deployment on a production server.
With many companies unwilling to invest in training activities, the admin must take charge and find a way to explore exciting, in-demand skills. A home lab is one way to try out tools and techniques on a single laptop with free tools. This guide will help you build a DevOps home lab.
You can learn DevOps approaches to IT administration and pick up new skills. This DevOps lab creates an immutable infrastructure that will enable you to spin up Docker containers.
The first project in the lab series gets Vagrant to deploy a Linux VM and extend the configuration to three VMs. In step two, learn to use Git version control to manage infrastructure as code. Step three takes you through the basics of Ansible to configure the Linux VMs and create a stack that is consistent and redeployable. Finally, in step four, use Docker swarm mode to run containers in those VMs.