Linux Basics

Most cloud servers run Linux. Even if you do not plan to become a system administrator, basic Linux knowledge is essential for any cloud or DevOps career.

At minimum, you should feel comfortable with:

• Navigating directories

• Creating and editing files

• Checking running processes

• Installing packages

• Connecting to servers using SSH

Instead of only watching tutorials, open a terminal and practice regularly. Create files. Modify configurations. Install a simple web server. Through repetition, commands become familiar. Over time, this hands on practice builds real confidence.

Phase 2: Learn Basic Automation

Once you understand networking and Linux fundamentals, the next step is automation. Modern cloud roles rely heavily on scripting and repeatable processes.

Fortunately, you do not need advanced software engineering knowledge to begin. Logical thinking and basic programming concepts are enough.

For example, consider this simple Python script:

Although this example is simple, it introduces important ideas:

•  Loops
• Variables
• Execution flow

In cloud environments, automation works the same way. Instead of printing messages, scripts create infrastructure. Instead of repeating manual steps, you define instructions once and execute them multiple times. As a result, even small scripting exercises strengthen your problem solving skills.

Phase 3: Choose One Cloud Provider

At this stage, many beginners make a common mistake. They attempt to learn AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud all at once. Because each platform uses different terminology, this approach often leads to confusion. Instead, choose one provider and focus on mastering its core services.

If you choose AWS, for example, start with:

• Compute
  
  Understand how virtual machines operate.
• Storage
  
  Learn the difference between object storage and block storage.
• Networking
  
  Study virtual networks, subnets, and security rules.
• Identity and Access Management
  
  Understand users, roles, and permissions.

Initially, ignore advanced services such as machine learning, analytics, or serverless computing. Depth in fundamentals will always be more valuable than shallow exposure to everything.

Phase 4: Hands On Projects That Build Real Understanding

Although theory is important, practical experience transforms knowledge into skill. Therefore, begin working on small, structured projects.

• Project 1: Launch a Virtual Machine
  
  Create a compute instance, connect via SSH, install a web server, and host a basic HTML page.
• Project 2: Create Object Storage
  
  Upload files to a storage bucket and configure permissions.
• Project 3: Design a Simple Network
  
  Build one public subnet and one private subnet, then decide which resources belong in each.

Even a small architecture that separates a web server from a database teaches security isolation and network segmentation. Consequently, hands on labs accelerate understanding far more than passive reading.

A beginner level architecture might look like:

Phase 5: Introduction to Infrastructure as Code

After building cloud resources manually through the console, the next major step in your journey is learning Infrastructure as Code. At this stage, you begin shifting from clicking buttons to writing definitions.

Infrastructure as Code allows you to provision servers, networks, storage, and permissions using configuration files instead of manual steps. In other words, you describe your infrastructure in code, and the cloud platform builds it for you.

Initially, this may feel intimidating. However, the concept is actually simple. Instead of repeating the same setup process every time, you write instructions once and reuse them.

For example, imagine you manually create:

• A virtual network
• Two subnets
• A security group
• A virtual machine

Now imagine needing to recreate that exact setup for testing, staging, or another project. Doing it manually again increases the chance of mistakes. Small configuration differences can cause major issues later.

With Infrastructure as Code, you define everything once in a configuration file. Whenever you execute that file, the exact same environment is created. Because of this shift, you gain several powerful advantages:

• Reproducibility
  
  You can recreate identical environments anytime. This consistency is critical in real world production systems.
• Version control
  
  Your infrastructure definitions can be stored in Git repositories. As a result, changes are tracked, reviewed, and reversible.
• Automation
  
  Deployments become faster and more reliable. Instead of hours of manual configuration, you run a single command.
• Scalability
  
  Expanding infrastructure becomes predictable and systematic rather than chaotic.

More importantly, your mindset begins to evolve. Instead of thinking in terms of individual servers, you start thinking in systems. You begin designing architecture intentionally rather than assembling components reactively.

This transition marks a critical point in your tech career. At this stage, you are no longer just learning cloud services. You are learning how to engineer infrastructure. That distinction separates beginners from practitioners.

Phase 6: Align Learning With Career Direction

Once you have built solid foundations in networking, Linux, automation, and core cloud services, specialization becomes meaningful. Before this point, choosing a niche is often premature. However, after gaining hands on experience, you can make informed decisions about your career direction.

Start by asking yourself what problems you enjoy solving.

If your goal is to become a cloud engineer, focus on deepening your understanding of networking, identity management, scalability, and high availability. Cloud engineers design resilient systems, so understanding traffic flow, failover mechanisms, and cost optimization becomes essential.

On the other hand, if DevOps interests you, shift your attention toward continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines. Learn how code moves from development to production. Explore containerization concepts and understand how automation connects development and operations. In this path, speed, reliability, and collaboration are central themes.

If security attracts you, begin studying identity policies, network segmentation, encryption methods, and threat detection principles. Cloud security professionals think defensively. They anticipate risks and design systems that reduce exposure.

However, avoid specializing too early. Many beginners jump into advanced topics without mastering fundamentals. As a result, their knowledge becomes fragmented. Instead, build breadth first. Develop a strong base across networking, systems, and cloud basics. Then, once you see the bigger picture, deepen your expertise strategically.

Careers in tech are long term journeys. Direction matters, but timing matters just as much.