Hands-On Cisco Automation with Python: Streamline Network Tasks Using Netmiko, NAPALM, and Nornir for Beginners

Appendix C

Using Python Dictionaries as NAPALM Outputs

Creating a Dictionary to Simulate Output

When working through the examples in this book, the preferred approach is to retrieve live data directly from network devices by using NAPALM. However, in some situations, it may not be possible or practical to use real equipment. For example, you might be experimenting with Python code on a personal system, developing examples offline, or teaching and learning in environments that lack dedicated lab hardware. In these cases, Python dictionaries that mirror the structure of NAPALM's returned data provide a useful alternative.

By using predefined dictionaries that match the format of actual NAPALM method outputs, you can write, test, and understand ...