Your DevOps Process Is Broken Without These 6 Linux Tools

In partnership with

Are your deployments taking longer than expected? Do routine tasks feel like a never-ending struggle? If you’re not leveraging the right Linux command line tools, you’re making your work harder than it needs to be.

The Multi-Tool of DevOps Efficiency

Managing DevOps workflows can feel overwhelming, with multiple tools like kubectl, helm, and various cloud-native utilities in play. While it’s crucial to understand these specialized tools, the real magic happens when you master the foundational Linux commands that connect and streamline processes.

From automating repetitive tasks to managing deployments and debugging issues, Linux commands are the backbone of every DevOps engineer's work. By incorporating the right tools, you can save time, enhance productivity, and tackle challenges with ease.

This guide introduces six indispensable Linux commands that every DevOps engineer should know, along with detailed examples to get you started.

Kloudnative is committed to staying free for all our users. We kindly encourage you to explore our sponsors to help support us.

Writer RAG tool: build production-ready RAG apps in minutes

• Writer RAG Tool: build production-ready RAG apps in minutes with simple API calls.

• Knowledge Graph integration for intelligent data retrieval and AI-powered interactions.

• Streamlined full-stack platform eliminates complex setups for scalable, accurate AI workflows.

Learn more about our production ready RAG tooling here.

☝️ Support Kloudnative by clicking the link above to explore our sponsors!

Before diving into the must-have Linux tools for DevOps engineers, it's important to understand why Linux is at the heart of modern infrastructure and automation.

Linux powers the majority of servers, cloud platforms, and container orchestration tools worldwide. Its open-source nature, unmatched flexibility, and robust ecosystem make it the go-to operating system for DevOps workflows. Whether you're managing large-scale deployments or fine-tuning microservices, Linux provides the stability and scalability required for efficient operations.

But what truly sets Linux apart is its command line interface (CLI). The CLI enables DevOps professionals to execute tasks with precision, automate repetitive workflows, and troubleshoot problems quickly. Mastering Linux commands isn’t just a skill—it’s a necessity for anyone looking to excel in this field.

Linux commands are the foundation of:

• Automation: Automate deployment pipelines, system updates, and configurations.

• Monitoring: Track performance, log system activities, and ensure smooth operations.

• Troubleshooting: Diagnose issues and implement fixes without unnecessary delays.

• Efficiency: Perform tasks faster and with greater accuracy than GUI-based alternatives.

Understanding the theory and potential of Linux commands helps you appreciate their role in optimizing workflows. Now, let’s dive into six powerful tools that every DevOps engineer should master. These aren’t just commands—they’re the keys to unlocking your full potential in the Linux ecosystem.

1. yq — The YAML Wizard

What it does:
yq is a powerful, lightweight tool for parsing, reading, and modifying YAML files from the command line. YAML files are extensively used in DevOps for managing configurations, making yq an essential tool.

How it helps:
With yq, you can quickly navigate YAML files, extract specific information, or make changes without manually editing the file.

Example: Inspecting a deployment configuration file.
Here’s a sample YAML file:

app:  
  name: mywebapp  
  version: 1.0.0  
  image: nginx:latest  
  replicas: 3  
database:  
  image: postgres:13  
  password: secretpassword  

Now, extract the image used by the application using yq:

yq '.app.image' deploy-config.yaml  

Output:

nginx:latest  

This command quickly pinpoints the container image being used for deployment.

2. sed and grep — The Dynamic Duo for Text Processing

What they do:

• sed: A command-line tool for streamlining text edits within files.

• grep: A pattern-searching tool to locate specific text within files.

How they help:
These tools work together to edit configuration files and verify changes without requiring manual inspection.

Example: Updating the application version in a YAML file.

Use sed to update the version:

sed -i 's/version: 1.0.0/version: 1.1.0/' deploy-config.yaml  

Verify the change using grep:

grep version deploy-config.yaml  

Output:

version: 1.1.0  

This workflow ensures updates are made and confirmed in seconds, saving time during version control.

3. curl — The Deployment Status Checker

What it does:
curl is a versatile command-line tool for transferring data to and from servers using protocols like HTTP, FTP, and others.

How it helps:
In DevOps, curl is invaluable for monitoring APIs, fetching data, or checking deployment statuses.

Example: Checking the latest Kubernetes release.

curl -s 'https://api.github.com/repos/kubernetes/kubernetes/releases/latest' | yq '.tag_name'  

Output:

v1.x.x  

This command fetches the latest release tag for Kubernetes, helping you stay up to date with the latest software versions.

4. tee — The Deployment Logger

What it does:
tee allows you to log output to a file while simultaneously displaying it in the terminal.

How it helps:
Keeping a log of deployment steps ensures transparency and aids in troubleshooting.

Example: Logging deployment details.

echo 'Starting deployment process' | tee deployment.log  
echo 'App version: 1.1.0' | tee -a deployment.log  
cat deployment.log  

Output:

Starting deployment process  
App version: 1.1.0  

This process provides a clear audit trail of the steps taken during deployment.

5. watch — The Real-Time Monitor

What it does:
watch runs a specified command repeatedly and displays the output in real-time.

How it helps:
It’s perfect for monitoring the status of deployments or other ongoing processes without constantly re-executing commands.

Example: Monitoring Kubernetes pod statuses during a deployment.

watch kubectl get pods  

Alternatively, you can use Kubernetes' built-in --watch flag:

kubectl get pods --watch  

This command ensures you’re continuously updated on pod status, saving you the hassle of running commands manually.

6. journalctl — The Log Detective

What it does:
journalctl is a command-line tool for viewing and filtering system logs, specifically from the systemd journal.

How it helps:
System logs are critical for troubleshooting errors in deployments or service failures. journalctl provides an organized way to access these logs.

Example: Viewing logs for the NGINX service.

journalctl -u nginx.service | tail  

Output:
The command displays the most recent logs for the NGINX service, helping you identify issues quickly.

Conclusion

These six Linux commands are not just utilities; they are indispensable allies in your journey toward a more streamlined and efficient DevOps workflow. Each command addresses specific pain points, from automating mundane tasks to providing real-time insights into system performance. They empower you to work smarter, not harder, by reducing manual effort, eliminating errors, and enhancing the speed and reliability of your processes.

Incorporating these commands into your daily routine doesn’t just make you more efficient—it sets you apart as a DevOps professional who values precision and agility. For example, yq simplifies YAML file manipulation, while sed and grep enable rapid configuration updates. With curl, you can monitor deployment statuses with ease, while watch and journalctl keep you informed in real time. These tools are your bridge to faster resolutions, better outcomes, and a more proactive approach to managing systems.

The beauty of these commands lies in their versatility. Whether you’re deploying an application, monitoring performance, or debugging issues, mastering them can make a world of difference. By building proficiency with these tools, you position yourself to handle complex scenarios with confidence and ensure smoother workflows across your projects.

Now it’s your turn—don’t let these tools remain unused or overlooked. Start experimenting, integrate them into your processes, and experience the transformation firsthand. Your DevOps workflow will thank you!