Starting with the foundational concepts, you'll gain a solid understanding of Ansible's architecture, configuration, and core functionalities. We begin by setting up a robust lab environment and guiding you through essential installations and configurations to ensure you're ready for hands-on learning.
As you progress, delve deeper into the world of Ansible playbooks, where you'll learn the intricacies of YAML and how to effectively utilize variables, facts, and templating with Jinja2. The course then transitions into more complex topics, such as dynamic inventories, task delegation, and the use of magic variables. Each section is designed to build on the previous one, ensuring a cohesive learning experience that gradually elevates your expertise.
In the final stages, the course explores advanced applications of Ansible, including integration with cloud services like AWS and Docker, and the creation of custom modules and plug-ins. You will also learn best practices and troubleshooting techniques to ensure smooth and efficient automation workflows. By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped to tackle any Ansible-related challenge with confidence and skill.
This course is ideal for system administrators, DevOps engineers, and IT professionals looking to automate their workflows with Ansible. A basic understanding of Linux command-line operations and SSH connectivity is recommended but not required.
Overview
Syllabus
- Course Overview and Introduction to Ansible
- In this module, we will introduce you to the course structure, outlining the key components and learning outcomes. You'll gain a foundational understanding of Ansible, its importance, and the recent updates that reflect the ever-evolving nature of technology.
- Setting Up of the Lab Environment and Course Resource
- In this module, we will guide you through the process of setting up your lab environment, including the installation of Docker and configuration of the Ansible lab. You'll also learn how to establish SSH connectivity and set up the course repository, concluding with a quiz to assess your understanding of the initial sections.
- Ansible Architecture and Design
- In this module, we will delve into the architecture and design of Ansible, covering key aspects such as configuration, inventories, and modules. You'll learn how to tailor Ansible settings, manage inventories, and utilize various modules, along with hands-on experience with command line tools to perform automated tasks efficiently.
- Ansible Playbooks Introduction
- In this module, we will introduce you to Ansible playbooks, starting with the fundamentals of YAML. You'll learn how to structure playbooks, use variables and facts, and apply Jinja2 templating for more advanced configurations. The module will culminate in creating and executing your own Ansible playbooks, providing hands-on experience with automation.
- Ansible Playbooks- Deep Dive
- In this module, we will take a deeper dive into Ansible playbooks, exploring advanced topics such as dynamic inventories, loops, task delegation, and the use of magic variables. You'll learn how to apply different execution approaches, organize tasks with blocks, and secure your playbooks with Ansible Vault. This comprehensive deep dive will equip you with the skills needed to master complex playbook configurations.
- Structuring Ansible Playbooks
- In this module, we will focus on structuring your Ansible playbooks for better organization and efficiency. You'll learn how to use includes and imports to modularize tasks, apply tags for selective execution, and leverage roles to streamline and reuse playbook components. Additionally, we'll cover strategies to enhance maintainability and optimize the performance of your playbooks.
- Using Ansible with Cloud Services and Containers
- In this module, we will explore the integration of Ansible with cloud services and container technologies. You'll learn how to use Ansible to automate tasks on AWS, manage Docker containers, and provision cloud infrastructure. This module will equip you with the skills to streamline and optimize your cloud and container workflows using Ansible.
- Creating Modules and Plug-ins
- In this module, we will guide you through the process of creating custom modules and plug-ins for Ansible. You'll learn the architecture and framework necessary for development, along with best practices for building and testing. This module will enable you to extend Ansible's functionality and integrate your custom solutions into your automation workflows.
- Other Ansible Resources and Areas
- In this module, we will cover additional resources and areas crucial for mastering Ansible. You'll learn how to troubleshoot and resolve common issues, ensuring smooth operations. We will also present best practices to optimize your Ansible workflows, enhancing efficiency and reliability in your automation tasks.
- Supplementary
- In this module, we will wrap up the course by summarizing the essential points and expressing gratitude to all contributors. This final video aims to reinforce your learning journey, reflect on your progress, and provide additional resources and encouragement for continued growth in Ansible automation.
Taught by
Packt - Course Instructors
