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Introduction to Ansible modules

Introduction​

Ansible is a powerful automation tool that helps in configuration management, application deployment, and automating complex workflows. Central to Ansible's power are its modules. In this article, we will explore Ansible modules, their types, and how to use them.

What are Ansible Modules?​

Ansible modules are discrete units of code that Ansible executes. Each module has a specific purpose and is designed to manage specific aspects of your infrastructure. They are like the tools in a toolbox, each having a unique role to play.

Types of Ansible Modules​

Ansible has several modules, most of which are classified into the following categories:

  1. Core Modules: These are the fundamental modules that Ansible ships with. They include modules for managing files, services, packages, and more.

  2. Community Modules: These are modules contributed by the Ansible community. They extend the functionality of Ansible and are often aimed at specific tasks or platforms.

  3. Custom Modules: These are modules that you or your organization create. They are typically created when the existing modules do not meet your specific needs.

Using Ansible Modules​

To use an Ansible module, you specify it in your playbook, followed by the parameters that module requires.

Here's an example using the file module to create a directory:

- name: Create a directory
  file:
    path: /path/to/directory
    state: directory

In this example, file is the module, and path and state are the module's parameters.

Important Ansible Modules​

Here are a few commonly used Ansible modules:

  1. File module: This is used for file management tasks, like creating directories or setting permissions.

  2. Yum and Apt modules: These modules are used to manage packages on Yum (Red Hat-based systems) and Apt (Debian-based systems) respectively.

  3. Service module: This module is used to manage services on the target hosts.

  4. User and Group modules: These modules are used for managing user and group settings on the target hosts.

  5. Copy and Fetch modules: These modules are used for copying files from the control machine to the target hosts and fetching files from the target hosts to the control machine respectively.

Conclusion​

Ansible modules are crucial to Ansible's functionality. They provide the building blocks for creating complex workflows that automate your infrastructure. Remember, Ansible has a module for almost everything. If it doesn't, you have the option to create your own custom module.

In the next article, we will guide you on how to write your own custom Ansible modules. Happy learning!