8 Software Automation Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

What started as Al Sweigart's desire to make programming accessible to everyone became a practical guide that teaches you how to automate repetitive tasks using Python. You learn to write scripts that handle file management, web scraping, email automation, and spreadsheet updates without prior coding knowledge. Each chapter builds your skills by walking through real examples like renaming files and sending emails, with a new focus on input validation and Google Sheets automation. If you want to save time on tedious computer tasks and gain confidence in Python, this book equips you with clear, hands-on techniques tailored for beginners.

The methods Tom Taulli developed while navigating the evolving landscape of software since the 1980s inform this detailed guide to Robotic Process Automation (RPA). You’ll learn how to implement RPA systems that automate repetitive, rules-based tasks like data entry and form filling, with insights drawn from real-world case studies demonstrating tangible ROI and compliance improvements. Chapters cover selecting the right RPA tools, overcoming workforce resistance, and integrating with legacy systems, making it a practical resource for IT managers aiming to streamline operations. This book suits anyone responsible for deploying automation in mid- to large-scale companies, offering a clear-eyed look at both benefits and challenges.

This tailored book explores the multifaceted world of software automation, offering a personalized pathway through complex expert content. It examines various automation techniques, tools, and applications, focusing specifically on your background and goals to provide a deeply relevant learning experience. By tailoring coverage to your interests, it reveals how different automation methods can create measurable impact in software development and operations. The book embraces the full spectrum from foundational concepts to advanced practices, matching your skill level and desired outcomes. This personalized approach ensures you navigate the intricacies of automation efficiently, mastering techniques that resonate with your unique needs and ambitions.

Drawing from over 15 years in IT management and consulting, Matthew Dowst crafts a detailed guide that moves PowerShell automation beyond simple scripting into robust, reusable solutions fit for enterprise environments. You learn to build adaptable functions, manage sensitive data securely, and integrate with tools like Azure Automation and Jenkins, with practical examples spanning local servers to cloud systems. The book also guides you in structuring code for sharing and maintaining it with source control, plus creating user-friendly front ends for non-technical team members. If you're a sysadmin or IT pro ready to elevate your scripting into adaptable automation frameworks, this book lays out a clear path without unnecessary jargon or fluff.

After analyzing countless cases in software deployment, Bas Meijer, alongside Lorin Hochstein and René Moser, developed this guide to simplify configuration management through Ansible. You gain hands-on skills to write playbooks, manage Linux, Windows, and network devices, and create reusable automation content for complex environments. The book breaks down Ansible's declarative modules and new collections format, helping you automate CI/CD pipelines and cloud infrastructure efficiently. If you're a developer or sysadmin looking to streamline deployment without juggling agents or complex setups, this book lays out a straightforward path to mastering Ansible’s capabilities.

Adam Bertram’s two decades in IT shape this practical guide to mastering PowerShell for system administrators. You’ll learn how to automate everyday tasks like managing Active Directory, deploying Windows environments, and building server inventories through real-world scripts and modules. Chapters on parsing XML and JSON and working with cloud domains like Azure and AWS extend your toolkit beyond basic scripting. If you’re tasked with streamlining IT workflows or cutting down manual server management, this book shows you how to take control without expensive tools or consultants.

This tailored book explores a focused, step-by-step plan designed to boost your automation capabilities within just one month. It examines core automation concepts alongside practical progressions tailored to your background and goals, helping you engage with the subject matter deeply yet efficiently. By matching content to your interests and skill level, it reveals how you can navigate complex automation tools and techniques without unnecessary detours. The personalized approach ensures that each chapter speaks directly to your needs, allowing you to build skills steadily and confidently. Whether you aim to streamline workflows, master scripting, or enhance deployment processes, this book covers the essentials with clarity and enthusiasm.

Jason Cannon's decades of experience as a Unix and Linux System Engineer shape this guide to shell scripting, focusing on practical skills for automating command line tasks. You learn not only how to write scripts but also how to troubleshoot errors, accept user input, and handle command-line arguments effectively, with a handy shell script checklist and template included. The book offers real-world script examples drawn from Cannon's work at major companies like Amazon and Hewlett-Packard, making it particularly useful for sysadmins, developers, and IT professionals working in Linux, Unix, or Mac environments. If you're looking to replace repetitive manual tasks with efficient automation, this book equips you with the core programming approaches to do so.

The breakthrough moment came when Jez Humble and David Farley distilled years of hands-on experience across diverse software environments into a clear vision for rapid, reliable software delivery. You’ll learn how to automate build, test, and deployment processes to reduce risk and accelerate releases, guided by the concept of the deployment pipeline and supported by modern infrastructure management techniques. Chapters detail everything from incremental feature development on large teams to managing compliance and governance in automated environments. This book suits developers, testers, systems administrators, and managers who want to transform cumbersome release cycles into streamlined workflows that deliver business value faster and with confidence.

Jason Edelman, co-founder of Network to Code and a seasoned network automation expert, wrote this book to address the critical shift network engineers face as manual methods become obsolete. You’ll gain hands-on skills in Python programming, Linux fundamentals, and key data models like JSON and YANG, all tailored specifically for automating network configurations and operations. Chapters on tools like Ansible, Salt, and source control with Git show you how to build reliable automation pipelines. This book suits network engineers ready to embrace coding as part of their daily workflow, though it assumes some technical background to fully benefit from its depth.