Course description
This lesson provides a comprehensive introduction to Configuration Management with Ansible, a widely used tool for automating IT tasks and managing infrastructure at scale. You will learn how Ansible streamlines the process of configuring systems, deploying applications, and orchestrating complex IT environments. Unlike traditional configuration management tools, Ansible is agentless and operates through simple yet powerful declarative YAML files, making it accessible even for beginners.
The lesson starts with an explanation of Ansible’s architecture, including its agentless design, which relies on SSH for communication, and the role of inventory files in defining managed nodes. You will explore key concepts such as playbooks, modules, and roles, which are central to writing reusable and efficient configurations. Practical examples will demonstrate how to automate common tasks like installing software, configuring services, and managing users across multiple systems.
Additionally, the lesson covers best practices for organizing Ansible projects, managing sensitive data with Ansible Vault, and integrating Ansible with version control systems for collaborative workflows. You'll also gain insights into how Ansible fits into modern DevOps pipelines and complements other automation tools.
By the end of the lesson, you will have a strong understanding of how to use Ansible for configuration management, enabling you to automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and maintain consistency across your IT infrastructure. This knowledge will empower you to simplify system administration and drive efficiency in managing complex environments.
