Ansible and why it’s important

priyanka kumari
3 min readJan 2, 2024

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Ansible is a Python-based, open-source IT automation tool known for its simplicity and user-friendly command-line interface. It excels in configuring systems, deploying software, and orchestrating complex workflows. With a focus on ease of use, Ansible supports a range of tasks, from application deployment to system updates, making it a versatile solution for automating various aspects of IT operations.

it’s used to manage large groups of computer systems.

it allows you to maintain your systems in a desired state, and to configure multiple machines quickly and consistently. do write like this

Benifits keys

  • Free and Open Source: Ansible is freely available, reducing costs and promoting accessibility
  • User-Friendly Setup: No special coding skills are required, making Ansible’s playbooks easy to set up and use.
  • Powerful Automation: Ansible handles highly complex IT workflows, providing a robust automation solution.
  • Flexibility in Orchestration: It orchestrates application environments across different deployments and allows customization as per specific needs.
  • Agentless Design: No additional software or firewall adjustments are needed on client systems, simplifying setup and maintenance.
  • Resource Efficiency: Ansible’s lightweight nature eliminates the need for extra software, optimizing server resources for applications.

Why Ansible?

  • It is free and Open Source.
  • It is Agentless. It doesn’t require any agent on client machines unlike other automation tool exists in the market (Puppet, Chef, Salt.). It uses SSH protocol to connect the servers. Ansible required Python to make the use of modules on client machines. Ansible also works with a system which doesn’t have python installed using the “raw” module.
  • It uses YAML language which is very easy to learn.
  • It Supported by Red Hat.

How it’s work?

ansible orchestrates tasks from a control node to managed nodes via secure SSH connections, executing predefined tasks using YAML playbooks and modules, gathering system facts, ensuring idempotence, and providing detailed reports for streamlined and reliable IT automation.

Key Features of Ansible:

  1. Configuration Management Simplified:Streamlined, reliable, and human-readable data for easy configuration management. Rapid setup with passwords or SSH keys.
  2. Effortless Application Deployment:Swift deployment of multitier applications without intricate coding. Ansible playbooks autonomously execute defined tasks.
  3. Seamless Orchestration:Facilitates harmonious coordination in automated workflows. The portability of Ansible playbooks ensures consistent orchestration across diverse environments.

4. Security and Compliance Integration:Integrates security measures into application deployment, enforcing site-wide policies. Admin credentials remain secure, reducing the necessity for manual oversight.

5. Versatile Cloud Provisioning:Automates provisioning for cloud platforms, virtual hosts, networks, and bare-metal servers. Versatility in supporting comprehensive automation across varied IT environments.

Ansible Architecture

Control Node:Acts as the command center, initiating and coordinating automation tasks. It holds playbooks, modules, and orchestrates communication with managed nodes.

Managed Nodes:Remote systems targeted for automation, ranging from servers to network devices, where Ansible executes specified tasks.

Inventory:A configurable file specifying details about managed nodes, allowing Ansible to understand the target hosts, their characteristics, and grouping for efficient automation.

Playbooks:Written in YAML, playbooks serve as the declarative configuration specifying tasks, desired states, and sequences. They act as the guiding script for Ansible automation.

Modules:Modular units of code executed on managed nodes to perform specific tasks. Ansible provides a diverse set of modules covering various aspects of system management, configuration, and deployment.

Plugins:Extend Ansible’s functionality, enabling modifications to core behavior or the incorporation of additional features. Plugins facilitate integration with external tools and services.

API (Application Programming Interface):A RESTful API provided by Ansible, allowing external systems to interact, automate, and extend its capabilities. This API supports seamless integration into broader IT workflows

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