What will you learn in Configuration Management and the Cloud Course
Understand automation at scale using configuration management principles like declarative, procedural, and idempotent techniques.
Use Puppet to manage a fleet of systems—install agents, write manifests, structure modules, and apply node definitions.
Automatically deploy and manage cloud-based instances at scale with scripting and metadata-driven CI/CD patterns.
Apply container orchestration fundamentals (Docker/Kubernetes) and execute GCP-specific management tasks like Cloud SQL configuration, startup scripts, and metadata operations.
Program Overview
Module 1: Automating with Configuration Management
⏳ ~4 hours
Topics: Definition and value of configuration management, infrastructure-as-code, Puppet basics, declarative vs procedural paradigms, factor info.
Hands-on: Set up Puppet master/agent locally, write simple manifests, and structure classes.
Module 2: Deploying Puppet
⏳ ~4 hours
Topics: Puppet resources, node definitions, module organization, facts collection with Facter.
Hands-on: Create and apply Puppet rules across nodes to enforce system state.
Module 3: Automation in the Cloud
⏳ ~4 hours
Topics: Scaling strategies, GCP metadata, startup/shutdown scripting, Cloud SQL configuration.
Hands-on: Use scripts and cloud-init metadata to configure VMs and Cloud SQL instances.
Module 4: Managing Cloud Instances at Scale
⏳ ~4 hours
Topics: Orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes intro), deploying containerized workloads, CI/CD considerations.
Hands-on: Launch multiple cloud VMs, deploy containers, test global changes via Puppet automation.
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Job Outlook
Prepares learners for DevOps, Site Reliability Engineer, or System Administrator roles that manage and scale cloud infrastructures.
Teaches widely-used tools and patterns (Puppet, Docker, startup scripts) essential for modern automation workflows.
Specification: Configuration Management and the Cloud
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FAQs
- Basic Linux and IT automation knowledge is recommended.
- Labs involve Puppet, scripting, and cloud metadata operations.
- Absolute beginners may find initial modules challenging.
- Prior experience reduces time spent on troubleshooting labs.
- Helps learners grasp configuration management and cloud automation faster.
- Labs cover Puppet deployment, node management, and manifests.
- Configure cloud instances using metadata and startup scripts.
- Introduction to Docker and Kubernetes for orchestrating workloads.
- Hands-on exercises simulate real-world DevOps workflows.
- Reinforces automation at scale using cloud-native practices.
- Prepares for DevOps Engineer or Site Reliability Engineer roles.
- Supports System Administrator and Cloud Engineer positions.
- Skills are relevant for managing scalable cloud infrastructure.
- Focus on automation, Puppet, and container orchestration.
- Enhances credentials for enterprise-level cloud and DevOps teams.
- Focus is primarily on Puppet for configuration management.
- Introduces CI/CD patterns and cloud scripting.
- Modern tools like Ansible or Terraform are not deeply explored.
- Students may supplement with additional courses for broader knowledge.
- Provides a solid foundation for understanding automation principles applicable elsewhere.
- Total duration is ~16 hours across four modules.
- Each module includes 4 hours of lectures and hands-on labs.
- Beginners may require additional time for troubleshooting Puppet and cloud tasks.
- Flexible pacing allows integration with work or other commitments.
- Most learners complete it in 2–4 days with focused effort.
