Python basics: write a small automation script

Copying fields from reports or inspecting many configuration files is repetitive work a short program can handle. Python is a programming language with libraries for reading structured data, calling APIs and writing automation.

Start with a read-only script that processes a sample file. Make its inputs and errors clear before adding actions that change infrastructure. A virtual environment keeps the project's Python dependencies separate from other projects and the system installation. Choose Python when its libraries and readable scripting style fit the task and the people who will maintain it.

Try it in a lab

Write a small script that reads a sample JSON inventory and prints selected fields. Add validation for missing keys, a test for an empty inventory and a nonzero exit on malformed input. Run it in an isolated virtual environment.

Check your understanding

Demonstrate normal, empty and invalid inputs. Explain dependency versions and show that the script never executes text taken from the input file.

Before you start

Do not hard-code credentials or use shell interpolation with untrusted values. Keep the first exercise read-only and use synthetic fixtures.

Read the official guide

Use the project documentation for version-specific commands and prerequisites. Record the versions and results of your own exercise. This page proposes a learning activity; it does not report a Kubedex test.

This is a newly written study reference at an address from the original Kubedex course outline. The original lesson was not recovered. It does not include course enrolment, progress tracking or a certificate.