Introduction

Welcome to 2024! In this article, we’ll explore the anticipated releases, community dynamics, and upcoming events in the realm of Ansible, the open-source IT automation platform. I’m Luca Berton, an Ansible Automation Expert, here to provide insights into what the year holds for this dynamic technology.

Ansible Overview

Ansible, led by Red Hat, is an open-source project integral to IT automation. The Ansible core, serving as the automation engine, powers various releases. The community plays a pivotal role, and transparency is evident through the changelog, illustrating the correspondence between community packages and Ansible core versions.

Release Cycle and Events

Typically, Ansible witnesses two major releases each year. In 2024, we expect the same pattern: Ansible 2.17 in May and Ansible 2.18 in November. Special attention is given to Ansible 2.9, which is still widely adopted despite reaching end-of-life status, particularly in network devices and special equipment.

The first release of 2024 is expected on January 29th, following a December 2023 release addressing a security issue. Community support extends beyond the latest release, Playbooknstrating a commitment to maintaining previous versions.

Key Events

The first notable event is FOSDEM in Brussels, occurring in February, along with the Configuration Management Camp in Ghent. Additionally, AnsibleFest, hosted in Denver, Colorado, in May, promises an array of sessions and expert insights. The community forum and Ansible Automate Global Tour offer additional avenues for engagement.

Community Initiatives

The Ansible community continues to evolve with the introduction of the Ansible Forum, providing a centralized space for discussions, project contributions, and announcements. Matrix communication and IRC systems facilitate diverse social interactions, while Ansible Community Day events across the globe foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Website Revamp

A significant development is the overhaul of the Ansible.com website, transitioning to a community-focused platform. Previews showcase a renewed emphasis on the Ansible ecosystem and related projects. The official mailing list, Bullhorn, is promoted for enhanced community engagement.

Join 50+ hours of courses in our exclusive community

Ansible Automation Platform

The commercial counterpart, Ansible Automation Platform, follows a release cycle aligned with the core Ansible releases. Noteworthy is the extended support cycle for Ansible Automation Platform 1.2, incorporating Ansible Engine 2.9, which will be available until the end of 2024. This signals a transitional phase for enterprises towards embracing the latest technology.

Expectations for 2024

Looking ahead, Ansible 2.5 is anticipated to build on Red Hat’s efforts in validated and certified content, fostering collaboration with ISV partners. The integration of AI-driven tools like Ansible Lightspeed and the broader availability of event-driven automation exemplify Ansible’s commitment to innovation.

Conclusion

As we venture into 2024, the Ansible community continues to thrive, embracing new technologies and fostering collaboration. Whether you’re an enthusiast, developer, or enterprise user, Ansible promises an exciting journey ahead. Stay tuned for the upcoming releases, events, and advancements, and let’s embark on this automation adventure together.

Subscribe to the YouTube channel, Medium, and Website, X (formerly Twitter) to not miss the next episode of the Ansible Pilot.

Academy

Learn the Ansible automation technology with some real-life examples in my Udemy 300+ Lessons Video Course.

BUY the Complete Udemy 300+ Lessons Video Course

My book Ansible By Examples: 200+ Automation Examples For Linux and AWX System Administrator and DevOps

BUY the Complete PDF BOOK to easily Copy and Paste the 250+ Ansible code

Want to keep this project going? Please donate

Patreon Buy me a Pizza