Which programming language is commonly used for scripting in network automation?

Python is commonly used for scripting in network automation due to its simplicity and readability, which makes it accessible for both novice and experienced programmers. The language has a rich set of libraries and frameworks specifically designed for networking tasks, such as Netmiko, NAPALM, and Ansible, which facilitate tasks like device management, configuration changes, and data collection.

Moreover, Python is well-supported in networking environments, with extensive documentation and a strong community that continuously contributes to its development. Its versatility allows it to be integrated easily with APIs, making it ideal for working with modern network devices that often feature RESTful APIs.

The other programming languages mentioned have their own strengths but are typically not favored for network automation in the same way. Bash is useful for scripting in Linux environments but lacks the extensive libraries for networking that Python offers. Java, while a very powerful language, is generally more complex and less suited for quick automation tasks compared to Python. C++ is a lower-level language often used for performance-critical applications, but it is not commonly utilized in network automation scripting due to its complexity and verbosity in comparison to Python.