Ansible is an open-source software provisioning, configuration management, and application-deployment tool that was first released in 2012 by Michael DeHaan, the original developer of Cobbler. It is designed to automate software provisioning, application deployment, intra-service orchestration, and many other IT needs. Here are key details about Ansible:
-
Overview
Ansible uses SSH or WinRM for secure connections to managed nodes and uses a simple language (YAML, in the form of Ansible Playbooks) for task execution. It operates without the need for agents on the managed nodes, making it agentless.
-
History
- Ansible was initially developed by Michael DeHaan, who also created Cobbler and Puppet.
- In 2013, Red Hat acquired Ansible, Inc., which led to the integration of Ansible into Red Hat's portfolio of automation solutions.
- Since the acquisition, Ansible has seen significant development, including the introduction of Ansible Tower (now known as Ansible Automation Platform), which provides a web-based user interface, REST API, and other enterprise features.
-
Key Features
- Playbooks: YAML files that define the desired state of systems or tasks to be executed.
- Inventory: A list of hosts to manage, which can be grouped and defined in various formats like INI or YAML.
- Modules: Reusable, standalone scripts designed for specific tasks, which can be executed directly or through playbooks.
- Idempotency: The ability to run the same playbook multiple times without changing the system after the first run, ensuring consistent state management.
- Extensibility: Users can write their own modules or use community-contributed modules.
-
Usage and Community
Ansible has a large and active community which contributes to its development, including:
- Module development for various platforms and applications.
- Documentation and tutorials.
- Regular updates and feature enhancements.
-
Commercial Offerings
Red Hat offers Ansible Automation Platform which includes additional tools like:
External Links:
Related Topics: