📙 Journal Log no. 2 Moving from Linux Unhatched to Essentials ;My DevSecOps Journey

Lucas Vaz — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:07:43 +0000

The Momentum Continues A few days ago, I shared that I completed the Cisco Linux Unhatched course. It was a great introduction to the command line, but in DevOps, knowing isn't the same as doing.

To truly master the next level—Cisco Linux Essentials—I’ve decided to change my approach. I’m moving away from just passing exams and moving toward building a functional, documented portfolio.

My New Workflow: The Linux Journey Repository

I’ve launched a new project on GitHub: my-linux-journey. This isn't just a folder for notes; it’s a structured Command Library and Automation Lab.

For every module in the Cisco Essentials course, I am doing three things:

🧠Breaking Down the Logic: Creating structured .md files in a linux-toolbox subfolder. Each command is documented with a real-world scenario and the exact "Why" behind using it.

🗒️Verification Logs: I’m including actual terminal output to prove the commands were tested in a live environment.

🤖Scripting the Solution: Instead of manually typing commands repeatedly, I’m writing Bash scripts to perform the tasks associated with each module.

Why Documentation Matters for DevOps

DevOps is about more than just tools; it’s about reliability and communication. By documenting my progress in public, I’m practicing the soft skills that separate a hobbyist from a professional:

Version Control: Using Git to track my learning daily.
Technical Writing: Explaining complex Linux permissions and networking in plain English.
Automation Mindset: Thinking about how to turn a manual task into a repeatable script.

Follow the Progress

I’m pushing updates to my repository every day as I work through the final chapters of the Essentials course. If you’re a fellow learner or a DevOps pro, I’d love your feedback on my scripts.

⚠️ Project Status: Initialized April 2026. Currently populating the linux-toolbox with my first set of Essentials scripts.

👉 Check out my Linux Journey on GitHub:

lvazmecheng / my-linux-journey

Documenting my transition from Cisco Linux Unhatched to Essentials with structured lab notes and Bash automation.

My Linux Journey 🚀

From Cisco Linux Unhatched to Essentials and beyond. A documented transition into DevSecOps.

📋 Overview

This repository serves as my professional lab journal and automation library. As I progress through the Cisco Linux Essentials curriculum, I am transforming theoretical knowledge into documented references and functional Bash scripts.

📁 Project Structure

Linux Toolbox - Structured command references and lab notes.
Automation Scripts - Functional Bash scripts designed to automate the tasks practiced in the labs.

🛠 Skills Progress

Linux Fundamentals (Unhatched) - Initial CLI exposure.
System Administration (Essentials) - Current Focus: Permissions, Archiving, and System Logic.
Python Automation (Subprocess) - Next Milestone: Bridging Linux CLI with Python logic.

🚀 How to Use This Repo

Explore the Toolbox: Navigate to the linux-toolbox folder for documented commands.
Run the Scripts:
- Clone the repo: git clone https://github.com/lvazmecheng/my-linux-journey.git
- Navigate to the scripts: cd my-linux-journey/scripts
- Make a script executable: chmod +x <script_name>.sh

…

View on GitHub

🔗 Related Notes

Previous Milestone: Completed Cisco Linux Unhatched - This provided my foundation in CLI basics.
Next Milestone: Once I wrap up Linux Essentials, my next goal is to integrate these Linux skills with Python automation.

📙 Journal Log no. 1 Linux Unhatched ; My DevSecOps Journey

Lucas Vaz — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 19:45:19 +0000

I graduated with a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering in 2018, but my career path has always been driven by the logic of systems. After earning my Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate, I realized that the most powerful engines today are built in the cloud.

I am now officially on my journey toward DevSecOps. This log marks the first step to my goal.

📙 Journal Log: 2026-04-05

🎯 Today's Mission

Mastering the Fundamentals: Bridging the gap between physical systems thinking and terminal based automation

🛠️ Environment & Setup

Machine/OS: NDG Virtual Machine (Ubuntu-based)
Current Directory: ~/home/sysadmin

⌨️ Commands & Flags Learned

Command	Flag/Context	What it does
`ls`	`-l`	Lists files in long format (essential for checking permissions).
`chmod`	`+x`	Changes file access levels—the Digital Locksmith.
`chown`	`user:group`	Changes file ownership; critical for system security.
`sudo`	(Prefix)	Executes commands with administrative Root privileges.
`grep`	`-i`	Filters output (Case-insensitive search for patterns).
`ifconfig`	(No flag)	Displays network interface configuration and IP addresses.

📂 System Changes / Configurations

# Practiced user management and security configuration 
sudo passwd [username] # Updated user credentials to secure the environment. 
sudo chmod 700 secret_file # Restricted a file so only the owner can access it.

🛑 The "Terminal Wall" (Errors & Fixes)

The Error: bash: ./script.sh: Permission denied

The Solution: In the physical world, you need a key for a control panel. In Linux, you need execution rights. I ran chmod +x script.sh and the Permission denied error vanished.

💡 Linux "Aha!" Moment

I realized that chmod and chown are the digital versions of Safety Protocols in Mechanical Engineering. In a factory, only authorized personnel have the key to the machine; in Linux, permissions ensure only the right process or user can touch the engine of the OS.

🔗 Related Notes

Next Milestone: Transitioning from Linux Unhatched to Cisco Linux Essentials to earn my formal completion certificate.

Python Integration: Exploring how the subprocess module can automate the grep and chmod tasks I practiced today.

Forem: Lucas Vaz

📙 Journal Log no. 2 Moving from Linux Unhatched to Essentials ;My DevSecOps Journey

My New Workflow: The Linux Journey Repository

Why Documentation Matters for DevOps

Follow the Progress

lvazmecheng / my-linux-journey

Documenting my transition from Cisco Linux Unhatched to Essentials with structured lab notes and Bash automation.

My Linux Journey 🚀

📋 Overview

📁 Project Structure

🛠 Skills Progress

🚀 How to Use This Repo

🔗 Related Notes

📙 Journal Log no. 1 Linux Unhatched ; My DevSecOps Journey

📙 Journal Log: 2026-04-05

🎯 Today's Mission

🛠️ Environment & Setup

⌨️ Commands & Flags Learned

📂 System Changes / Configurations

🛑 The "Terminal Wall" (Errors & Fixes)

💡 Linux "Aha!" Moment

🔗 Related Notes