Ansible - 1.1 Introduction

Ansible is an open-source automation tool that is used for configuration management, application deployment, and task automation. It is designed to help IT professionals and system administrators automate repetitive tasks, simplify complex workflows, and manage multiple systems efficiently. Ansible is highly flexible and can be used to manage systems across different platforms, including Linux, Unix, Windows, and network devices.

The Ansible module is a key component of the Ansible automation platform. It is a collection of scripts that perform specific tasks, such as installing software, configuring network devices, or managing users and groups. These modules can be executed individually or combined to form more complex workflows.

Ansible modules are written in a simple, declarative language called YAML (Yet Another Markup Language), which makes them easy to understand and modify. They are also idempotent, which means that they can be run multiple times without changing the system state if the configuration has not changed.

One of the key benefits of using Ansible is its agentless architecture. Unlike other automation tools that require agents to be installed on the target systems, Ansible uses SSH or WinRM to communicate with remote systems, which reduces the complexity and security risks associated with managing agents.

In summary, Ansible is a powerful automation tool that can help organizations streamline their IT operations, reduce manual errors, and improve efficiency. Its flexible architecture, extensive module library, and agentless design make it a popular choice among IT professionals and system administrators.