Linux Roadmap

A step-by-step Linux roadmap: what to learn in order, the related skills and the best places to learn each step.

The stack, end to end

  • Fundamentals: Linux command line, File permissions, Processes, Shell scripting, IP addressing, TCP and UDP, DNS, Firewalls, Load balancing
  • DevOps: nginx, Reverse proxy, HTTPS and certificates, Process managers, Monitoring, Logging, Prometheus, Grafana, Alerting

  1. Linux and the command line

    Suggested pace: Start here

    Servers mostly run Linux. Learn to move around the file system, read and edit files, manage permissions and processes, and write small shell scripts.

    Skills

    • Linux command line
    • File permissions
    • Processes
    • Shell scripting

    Tips

    • Use the terminal for everyday tasks for a few weeks and it will start to feel natural.

    Where to learn

  2. Networking basics

    Suggested pace: Next

    Understand IP addresses, ports, TCP and UDP, DNS, firewalls, load balancers and how traffic gets from one machine to another. Cloud, DevOps and security work all depend on it.

    Skills

    • IP addressing
    • TCP and UDP
    • DNS
    • Firewalls
    • Load balancing

    Tips

    • Draw the path of a request from your laptop to a website, step by step.

    Where to learn

  3. Web servers and deployment

    Suggested pace: Then

    Learn to put an app on a real server: a web server or reverse proxy such as nginx, HTTPS certificates, process managers and zero-downtime restarts.

    Skills

    • nginx
    • Reverse proxy
    • HTTPS and certificates
    • Process managers

    Tips

    • Deploy one project to a small server of your own and keep it running for a month.

    Where to learn

  4. Monitoring and logging

    Suggested pace: After that

    You cannot fix what you cannot see. Learn metrics, logs, dashboards and alerts so you notice problems before users do.

    Skills

    • Monitoring
    • Logging
    • Prometheus
    • Grafana
    • Alerting

    Tips

    • Alert on what users feel (errors and slowness), not on every small blip.

    Where to learn

Frequently asked questions

Where should I start with Linux?

Start at step 1 and work down in order, because later steps build on earlier ones. If you are signed in, the roadmap compares your resume with each step and marks where you could start.

Is Linux worth learning?

Check how many job adverts in your area mention Linux, and whether it fits the kind of work you want. This roadmap shows what to learn; the Browse jobs page shows what employers are asking for.

How do I know I am ready to apply?

When you can build a small project from start to finish without copying a tutorial, and explain why you made your choices. Apply while you keep learning; you do not need to know everything.