Packt
Ansible and Ansible-Playbooks for Automation
Packt

Ansible and Ansible-Playbooks for Automation

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

20 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

20 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Implement agentless automation for infrastructure management with Ansible.

  • Create and execute dynamic Ansible playbooks for complex workflows.

  • Integrate secure practices using Ansible Vault and SSH keys.

  • Leverage loops, templates, and roles to enhance task efficiency and reusability.

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Recently updated!

February 2025

Assessments

35 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 36 modules in this course

In this module, we will explore the foundational concepts of Ansible. You will gain insights into its capabilities, understand the differences between its core and community editions, and learn how its architecture facilitates secure and efficient automation.

What's included

3 videos1 reading

In this module, we will guide you through setting up the environment required for Ansible. From provisioning servers to configuring the controller node and understanding Ansible's agentless operations, this section ensures a strong foundation for further automation.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will focus on Ansible's ad-hoc commands, an essential feature for executing tasks quickly and efficiently. You’ll learn how to leverage modules and handle complex commands with quotations and arguments.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will delve into file management using Ansible ad-hoc commands. By mastering the file-related modules, you will learn to handle tasks such as file creation, modification, and retrieval across managed nodes seamlessly.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will learn to install software packages on different OS families using Ansible. You will gain hands-on experience with yum and apt modules to ensure consistent package management across diverse environments.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will explore how to run Ansible ad-hoc commands on the controller node itself. This knowledge is essential for tasks requiring local execution or testing configurations before deployment.

What's included

1 video

In this module, we will focus on the idempotent nature of Ansible tasks. You will understand why predictable outputs are critical in automation and how to interpret task results to ensure reliable execution.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will guide you through executing ad-hoc commands with real-time user credentials. Learn how Ansible manages authentication securely and efficiently while maintaining compliance with best practices.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will explore Ansible inventory files. You will learn how to structure inventories to handle multiple environments, categorize hosts, and optimize automation workflows.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will focus on Ansible configuration files. You will understand how configuration settings are applied and how to manage these files to customize Ansible behavior effectively.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will learn to enhance automation capabilities by embedding Ansible commands in shell scripts. This powerful combination enables you to handle intricate tasks with ease and precision.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will explore Ansible facts. You will learn how to use default facts and create custom facts to gather detailed information about your infrastructure for better automation strategies.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will be introduced to Ansible playbooks, a cornerstone of automation. You will understand their structure, create your first playbook, and learn to verify syntax before execution.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will cover foundational concepts for developing playbooks. From variables to YAML scripting, you will gain the skills to create adaptable and efficient automation scripts.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will delve into variable management in playbooks. Learn to register task outputs and redefine variables mid-playbook for seamless and dynamic automation workflows.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will explore various operations on variables in playbooks. You will learn to manipulate data using operators and filters, enhancing your ability to create dynamic and responsive playbooks.

What's included

11 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will master conditional statements in playbooks. From when clauses to in-line logic, you’ll learn to create adaptable and context-aware automation scripts.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will practice creating basic playbooks. These exercises will reinforce your understanding of core playbook concepts and help you apply them in real-world scenarios.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will deepen our understanding of Ansible facts. Learn to gather and utilize system-level information for advanced playbook automation.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will learn about privilege escalation in Ansible. You will understand how to execute tasks as different users or with elevated privileges safely and efficiently.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will explore task reusability. Learn how to use import_tasks and include_tasks to streamline your playbook development and ensure maintainability.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will cover handlers, a powerful feature in Ansible. You’ll learn to create and manage handlers to execute tasks based on specific triggers, adding flexibility to your automation.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will focus on the use of tags in playbooks. You will learn to execute only the necessary tasks, improving efficiency and precision in automation.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will learn error-handling strategies in Ansible. From basic error handling to advanced constructs like block and rescue, you’ll ensure robust and fail-safe automation.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will explore Ansible logging. You’ll learn to capture task outputs and playbook execution details in log files, enabling effective debugging and auditing.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will explore advanced options like remote_src, delegate_to, and run_once. These features enable precise task control and efficient resource utilization.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will create a comprehensive playbook combining various advanced features. You will see how to use tags, blocks, and handlers together to solve real-world automation challenges.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will explore the power of loops in playbooks. Learn to handle repetitive tasks and work with data structures like lists and dictionaries to simplify automation.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will learn to work with the template module. You’ll create dynamic, environment-specific configuration files that adapt seamlessly to changing requirements.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will introduce Ansible plugins. You’ll understand how plugins extend functionality and streamline complex automation scenarios.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will explore third-party collections and modules. Learn to expand Ansible’s capabilities by integrating community-contributed resources effectively.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will focus on dynamic inventory management. Discover how to use plugins to manage AWS resources dynamically and streamline inventory handling.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

In this module, we will explore Ansible roles. Learn how to simplify playbook organization by structuring tasks into reusable roles for improved clarity and scalability.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will learn about Ansible Vault. You’ll gain the skills to encrypt sensitive information and manage secrets securely within your automation workflows.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will explore the Raw module. Learn to manage systems without Python installed and execute commands directly on target nodes efficiently.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

In this module, we will set up a real-time Ansible project. From directory structures to secure authentication methods, you’ll prepare a robust foundation for managing live server environments.

What's included

4 videos2 assignments

Instructor

Packt - Course Instructors
Packt
567 Courses49,058 learners

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