Cisco Platforms and Development · Topic 7 of 8
Choosing the Right DevNet Resource
Learn what Cisco DevNet offers, including Sandbox, Code Exchange, Learning Labs, API documentation, support and forums, and which to use for each task.
- 4 min
- Sandbox provides lab environments, either always on or reservable.
- Code Exchange holds sample code and projects from Cisco and the community.
- Learning Labs are guided tutorials and learning tracks.
What it is
Cisco DevNet is the Cisco developer programme, and it provides free resources for learning, testing and sharing network automation.
The outline lists six resources: Sandbox, Code Exchange, support, forums, Learning Labs and API documentation. The exam gives you a scenario and asks which one fits.
The best way to learn them is to link each one to a question that a developer asks.
How it works
Each resource answers a different need, so match the need first.
DevNet Sandbox
Sandbox gives you free access to Cisco products and labs, so you can test code without owning hardware. Typical content includes Catalyst Center, Meraki, ACI, IOS XE and NX-OS devices, Webex and virtual network labs.
There are two broad kinds:
| Kind | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Always on | Shared labs that are ready at any time. You connect with the details that are published |
| Reservable | A lab that you book for a set time, often with its own private environment |
Use a Sandbox when you want to run a script against a real controller or device, or when you want a safe place to make mistakes.
Code Exchange
Code Exchange is a catalogue of sample code, scripts, tools and projects for Cisco platforms, from Cisco and from the community. Items link to a repository, so you can see the code and copy it.
Use Code Exchange when you want a working example to start from, or when you want to share your own project.
Learning Labs
Learning Labs are guided tutorials, grouped into learning tracks. Each lab walks you through steps with explanations and examples, such as writing a first REST call or using a Cisco SDK.
Use a Learning Lab when you are new to a topic and want a structured path rather than a reference.
API documentation
Each Cisco platform has reference documentation. It lists every API operation, with its method, path, parameters, request and response examples and error codes. Many also publish collections that you can import into an API testing tool.
Use the API documentation when you need the exact request for an operation, or want to check the fields in a response.
Support
DevNet offers ways to get help with a problem. You can ask the team through the support channels and raise a question about a platform's API. Use support when you suspect a bug or cannot solve a problem from the documentation.
Forums and community
The community forums let developers ask questions and answer each other. Many questions already have answers, so search before you post.
Use the forums for a how to question, advice on design, or to see how others solved a similar problem. Use support instead for a platform fault that needs the vendor.
Matching a scenario to a resource
| Scenario | Best resource |
|---|---|
| Test a script against Catalyst Center without owning one | Sandbox |
| Find a sample script that lists Meraki devices | Code Exchange |
| Learn how to write a first RESTCONF call, step by step | Learning Labs |
| Check which fields a POST request needs | API documentation |
| Report a suspected bug in an API | Support |
| Ask how others handle pagination | Forums |
Working together
A typical path starts with a Learning Lab for the concepts. You then read the API documentation for the exact calls and pick a script from Code Exchange. You run it in a Sandbox, and if something fails, you search the forums or ask for support.
Cautions with shared labs
An always on Sandbox is shared with other people, so settings can change and another user may touch the same device. Treat it as a test area, and do not store anything private there.
In a scenario question, find the verb. Test means Sandbox, reuse code means Code Exchange, learn step by step means Learning Labs, and look up a field means API documentation.
What to remember for the exam
Six facts cover this topic.
- Sandbox provides lab environments, either always on or reservable.
- Code Exchange holds sample code and projects from Cisco and the community.
- Learning Labs are guided tutorials and learning tracks.
- API documentation is the reference for operations, parameters and responses.
- Forums are for community questions, and support is for help with a problem or a suspected bug.
- Match the resource to the need that the scenario describes.
Common mistakes
Four mistakes are typical.
Confusing Sandbox with Code Exchange. One is a place to run code, and the other is a place to find code.
Using forums for a vendor bug. A fault in a platform needs the support route.
Reading tutorials when you need a reference. To find a field name, use the API documentation instead of a Learning Lab.
Treating shared labs as private. An always on lab is shared and can change.
Never use real production credentials or customer data in a Sandbox or in a forum post.
Check yourself
Work through these three questions.
Which DevNet resource lets you run a script against a real controller without owning one?
Sandbox.
Where do you find sample scripts shared by Cisco and the community?
Code Exchange.
Which resource gives the exact parameters of an API operation?
The API documentation.
Topic 7 of 8 in Cisco Platforms and Development
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