What is network automation with Python and Ansible?

Network automation eliminates manual CLI configuration. Python with Netmiko: Netmiko is a multi-vendor SSH library that abstracts vendor differences. Connect and configure: from netmiko import ConnectHandler; device = {"device_type": "cisco_ios", "host": "192.168.1.1", "username": "admin", "password": "pass"}; conn = ConnectHandler(**device); output = conn.send_command("show interfaces"). NAPALM (Network Automation and Programmability Abstraction Layer with Multivendor support) provides a unified API across vendors for configuration management and state retrieval. Ansible: uses YAML playbooks and network-specific modules (cisco.ios.ios_interfaces, arista.eos.eos_vlans). No agent needed on network devices — uses SSH or APIs. Example: - name: Configure VLAN; cisco.ios.ios_vlans: config: - name: Management vlan_id: 10 state: active. Nornir: Python-native automation framework (alternative to Ansible). Key tools: netconf-console (NETCONF), gnmic (gNMI for streaming telemetry), Batfish (network configuration validation). Store configs in Git for version control and peer review.