In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, gaining hands-on experience is crucial for mastering DevOps, AI, and automation skills. Whether you’re a student just beginning your tech journey or a professional looking to enhance your expertise, several intuitive online platforms go beyond traditional learning by offering practical, real-world training.

At ColorWhistle, we recently initiated external DevOps training for a few developers to equip them with the latest automation tools for our upcoming AI-related projects. For this, we chose KodeKloud, an online platform that offers a playground for practicing the code they are learning. It has proven to be a highly effective tool for hands-on DevOps training.

Additionally, we explored another powerful online tool called LabEx, which provides hands-on learning experiences in various technology skills, including AI, cloud, and DevOps. These platforms have become central to our training programs, and we now want to share some of the tools available for both students and professionals to gain hands-on experience in DevOps, AI, and automation.

Platforms for Hands-On Learning

1. KodeKloud 

Overview:

KodeKloud focuses on DevOps and Automation, providing learners with hands-on labs where they can practice in real environments. With tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins, it offers practical exercises that mimic real-world scenarios, preparing learners for industry challenges.

Key Features:

• Playground feature for practicing code in a real environment.
• Pathways in DevOps, Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Jenkins, and more.
• Certifications for cloud and automation technologies.
• AI Features: While the platform focuses on practical coding, it does not yet use AI for personalized learning or code analysis.

Best For:

• DevOps professionals
• Cloud and Automation Engineers

Plans and Pricing:

• There are no free plans while a free Team Trial is available.
• Offers 3 plans: Standard, Pro, and Business with monthly/annual payment options

2. LabEx 

Overview:

LabEx is an intuitive platform that offers hands-on learning with real-world scenarios. It focuses on technical skills such as DevOps, AI, cloud computing, and networking. It’s beginner-friendly but provides advanced labs for professionals, making it suitable for learners at all levels.

Key Features:

• Real-world hands-on labs with instant access to pre-configured environments.
• Step-by-step tutorials for easy learning.
• AI-focused learning paths for aspiring data scientists and engineers.
• AI Features: LabEx uses AI to enhance the learning experience by customizing lab scenarios based on learner progress and performance.

Best For:

• Students and beginners
• IT professionals and cloud engineers

Plans and Pricing:

• Free Plans are available for individuals and Teams as well
• Pro plan with monthly/annual payment options

Also Read

How AI Helps in Education and How It Makes Learning as Addictive as Social Media

3. AWS Skill Builder 

Overview:

AWS Skill Builder offers comprehensive, hands-on labs in cloud computing, AI, and DevOps using Amazon Web Services. Learners can practice in real AWS environments, building the skills to manage cloud services and deploy machine learning models.

Key Features:

• Hands-on labs in AWS environments.
• AI and machine learning pathways.
• Free-tier labs for beginners and advanced tracks for professionals.
• AI Features: AWS Skill Builder leverages AI to offer tailored recommendations and learning pathways based on user interactions.

Best For:

• Cloud engineers
• AI/ML enthusiasts

Plans and Pricing:

• Free Account, Team Subscriptions, Individual Monthly and Annual Subscriptions 

4. Google Cloud Skills Boost 

Overview:

Google Cloud Skill Boost platform offers hands-on learning paths centered around Google Cloud services. Learners can practice deploying machine learning models, configuring cloud infrastructure, and exploring AI tools in a live environment, making it ideal for both students and professionals.

Best For:

• Students and developers
• AI and machine learning enthusiasts

Key Features:

• Real-world labs and cloud environment simulations.
• AI and DevOps learning tracks.
• Challenges and projects for practical experience.
• AI Features: Google Cloud Skills Boost integrates AI to offer personalized feedback and learning paths based on user performance.

Plans and Pricing: 

• Free Account, Free trial for 30 days for the Monthly and Annual Subscriptions

5. Microsoft Learn 

Overview:

Microsoft Learn provides a free, interactive platform for hands-on labs in Azure AI, DevOps, and cloud computing. It’s an excellent starting point for students, offering a step-by-step guide for learning cloud and automation technologies.

Best For:

• Students and beginners
• Developers specializing in Azure cloud or AI

Key Features:

• Free hands-on labs with Azure environments.
• AI, machine learning, and DevOps learning paths.
• Certification paths for Azure Cloud engineers and AI developers.
• AI Features: Microsoft Learn employs AI to provide personalized learning recommendations and assist in troubleshooting during labs.

Plans and Pricing:

• Microsoft Learn courses are free, but have to pay for the certification exams

6. DataCamp

Overview:

DataCamp is a platform designed for those looking to master data science, AI, and machine learning. It offers interactive coding exercises and real-world datasets to practice building models, making it an excellent resource for students and professionals alike.

Best For:

• Students interested in data science
• AI and machine learning enthusiasts

Key Features:

• Practical projects with real datasets.
• Focus on AI, machine learning, and data analysis.
• Guided tutorials for beginners and advanced learners.
• AI Features: DataCamp integrates AI to provide adaptive learning paths based on user performance and feedback.

Plans and Pricing:

• The basic plan is free which has limited access (Every first chapter is free) 
• Premium plans available for Individuals, Teams, and Enterprises

Also read

Metaverse in Education: Virtual Labs and Gamification

7. Pluralsight 

Overview:

Pluralsight offers an extensive library of hands-on labs and sandbox environments tailored for cloud and DevOps learning. It provides certification paths for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, making it ideal for professionals seeking to advance their careers in these fields. With its acquisition of A Cloud Guru, Pluralsight has strengthened its cloud training offerings, including labs and certification prep for cloud computing.

Best For:

• DevOps engineers
• Cloud professionals

Key Features:

• Real-world, hands-on labs in cloud environments.
• Sandbox / Playgrounds for practicing cloud and DevOps skills.
• Certification preparation for cloud platforms.
• AI Features: Pluralsight uses AI-driven assessments to provide personalized feedback and offer tailored learning paths based on individual progress.

Plans and Pricing:

• Individual and Team plans are available
• 10 days Free Trial for Individual plans

8. TryHackMe 

Overview:

TryHackMe offers interactive, hands-on labs related to cloud security and DevOps as a service. Its primary focus is on cybersecurity. The platform allows learners to explore real-world security scenarios while practicing with automation and cloud tools.

Best For:

• Security enthusiasts
• Cloud and DevOps engineers with an interest in security

Key Features:

• Browser-based virtual environments for hands-on labs.
• Gamified challenges to improve cloud and security skills.
• Focus on cloud, automation, and DevOps security.
• AI Features: TryHackMe uses AI-driven assessments to gauge user performance and suggest areas for improvement.

Plans and Pricing:

• The basic plan with limited access is available for free. 
• Premium plans with full access are available

Platform Comparison: Hands-On Learning in Tech

Here is a quick comparison of the features:

Features	KodeKloud	LabEx	AWS Skill Builder	Google Cloud Skills Boost	Microsoft Learn	DataCamp	Pluralsight	TryHackMe
Best For	DevOps Pros, Automation Engineers	Students, IT Pros	Cloud, AI / ML Engineers	Students, AI / ML Enthusiasts	Students, Azure Devs	Data Science Students, AI Pros	DevOps Engineers, Cloud Pros	Security Enthusiasts, DevOps Engineers
Hands-on Labs	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cloud Environment Simulation	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Focus on AI / ML	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Focus on DevOps	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Playground / Practice Environment	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Certification Tracks	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No
Free Tier	Paid	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Paid	Paid	Yes
AI-Focused Learning Paths	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
DevOps / Automation Learning Paths	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Special Focus on Cloud Services	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
Security Learning Paths	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes

Wrapping Up

In our journey to upskill our developers for AI and automation-related tasks, platforms like KodeKloud and LabEx have environments for practicing DevOps, AI, and cloud skills. Tools like AWS Skill Builder and Google Cloud Skills Boost offer specialized learning paths for learners at all levels.

These platforms stand out not just for their practical training but for their use of AI to enhance learning experiences through adaptive learning paths, personalized recommendations, and interactive challenges. As technology continues to evolve, gaining hands-on experience will be key to staying ahead in the field, and these tools are your gateway to that success.

At ColorWhistle, our team is getting well-equipped with these resources to excel in their skills and deliver top-notch solutions. If you need a website development service provider or have questions, feel free to contact us. Happy learning!