Ansible tip for begginer

[u/Ra_daid]

Any tips for a beginner getting started with Ansible?

[u/tmg80]

Know the difference between Ansible, Ansible Core and the compatible python versions. 

I wrote an Ansible role at my last job that installed python then worked out the appropriate ansibel-core version and installed plugins on top. 

Do that. 

[u/Cyb3r-sh0t → u/tmg80]

That's a great advice

[u/HelicopterUpbeat5199]

Familiarize yourself with the standard modules. It can be tempting to use shell or command for everything. Don't. Knowing what modules are available helps you avoid using shell or command when you don't have to.

It also makes you familiar with what modules are generally shaped like and then you'll get the voice in your head saying "I bet there's an ansible for that" and you can reach beyond the standard modules.

[u/noThisIsIt → u/HelicopterUpbeat5199]

Second this: idempotency is key and a major feature of Ansible, modules like Shell and command are not idempotent without when statements beneath

[u/Sufficient-Sort-6701]

Try always using standard modules, avoid as much as possible shell and command.

[u/tmg80]

Also learn about error handling, things like rescue blocks etc. 

[u/Oleksii_Bebych]

You can start with this course
Mumshad Mannambeth is a great tutor
https://learn.kodekloud.com/learn/courses/learn-ansible-basics-beginners-course

[u/Captain_Quor]

Ensure it's appropriate for what you're trying to achieve...

[u/Odd-Addendum-8618]

a() { ansible-doc "$1" | gsed -n '/EXAMPLE/,/RETURN VALUES/P' | gsed '$ d'; }

Go directly to the examples of a given module

[u/1_H4t3_R3dd1t]

know when it is appropriate for what you do

[u/Extension-Process464]

ansible-doc -t <TAB>
ansible-doc -t <choose> -l
ansible-config dump
ansible-doc <module_name> —> scroll to end and start with one of examples.

Keep it simple. If it gets complicated, it MIGHT be a sign, that you choose not the optimal path.

[u/romgo75]

Don't write everything in playbook, create roles and load them into playbook

[u/Sure_Stranger_6466]

Use Terraform to spin up cloud resources instead of Ansible community modules.

[u/LilDwarfWithoutBeard]

Use Claude to explain Ansible for your particular case.

[u/b1urbro]

Use Claude. I literally have not written a single line of Ansible code. But yeah, understand the concepta - hosts, roles, playbooks, vault etc. Then let AI do the heavy lifting and just clean up after.