Ansible

Ansible is an open-source automation tool that automates configuration management, application deployment, and task automation. It uses simple YAML-based playbooks and operates with an agentless architecture, making it easy to deploy and manage infrastructure and applications.

Key Characteristics

• Agentless: No agents required on target systems
• YAML-Based: Uses human-readable YAML for playbooks
• Idempotent: Ensures consistent state regardless of execution count
• Push-Based: Pushes configuration to target systems

Advantages

• Simplicity: Easy to learn and use
• Agentless: No need to install agents on target systems
• Security: Secure communication using SSH
• Flexibility: Works with various platforms and technologies

Disadvantages

• Performance: May be slower for large-scale deployments
• Windows Support: Limited native Windows support
• Learning Curve: Requires understanding of YAML and concepts
• Complexity: Can become complex for advanced use cases

Best Practices

• Use version control for playbooks
• Implement proper inventory management
• Use roles for reusable components
• Regularly test playbooks in non-production environments

Use Cases

• Configuration management
• Application deployment
• Infrastructure provisioning
• Security hardening