Cisco Nexus switches are part of the data center offering from Cisco.They support two modes of operation based on the code that is running on them: ACI mode and standalone mode. In ACI mode, the Nexus switches form a fabric that is being managed by a central controller called APIC. In standalone mode, the Nexus switches function as L2/L3 data center switches and are being managed individually and run Open NX-OS as their operating system.

Over the next month and a half I will be posting a series of blogs that take you on a journey of network programmability and automation with Cisco Open NX-OS. We will cover NX-API CLI, NX-API REST, NX-SDK and we will start with one Cisco Nexus virtual switch and work our way up to large topologies powered by Cisco CML-P.

We will also start from the beginning, without assuming any prior knowledge of advanced computer programming and networking concepts. Basic Python and networking knowledge will be needed. We have a large number of learning labs around getting started with Python and Cisco NX-OS if you feel the concepts discussed in this series of blog posts are too advanced. You can find some great learning labs, sandboxes, and other helpful information on the DevNet Open NX-OS resources page .

If at any point you feel lost, or have questions, ask them in theComments section at the bottom of this blog. I will be more than happy to address them.

Setting up your development environment

In this first blog, we will setup the development environment. There are several options here. You could use a Cisco Nexus switch in your own lab or you could take advantage of the Cisco DevNet Sandbox that gives you free access to Cisco software and hardware. Or you could deploy a virtual instance of Cisco Open NX-OS on your own PC or laptop. We