Ansible collections are a key feature that enhances modularity and reusability in automation workflows. They bundle content such as modules, plugins, roles, and documentation into a standardized format. This article explains what Ansible collections are, their structure, and how to use them.
What Are Ansible Collections?
Ansible collections are distributable packages of Ansible content, designed to organize and share automation resources. They are hosted in repositories like Ansible Galaxy or private registries, making it easier to manage and reuse automation code.
Key Features of Collections:
- Modularity: Collections group related content, simplifying distribution and use.
- Organization: Provide a structured way to manage custom and community-contributed content.
- Standardization: Use a consistent directory layout for easy integration.
Structure of an Ansible Collection
A collection has a predefined directory structure:
my_collection/
├── docs/
├── plugins/
│ ├── modules/
│ ├── inventory/
│ ├── lookup/
│ └── filter/
├── roles/
├── playbooks/
├── tests/
└── galaxy.yml
Key Components:
plugins/
: Contains custom modules, inventory plugins, lookup plugins, and filters.roles/
: Stores roles for task execution.playbooks/
: Includes example playbooks for using the collection.docs/
: Provides documentation for the collection.galaxy.yml
: Metadata file defining the collection name, description, dependencies, and version.
Benefits of Using Ansible Collections
Reusable Content: Collections allow teams to package and share automation resources, reducing redundancy.
Scalability: Modular content simplifies scaling automation across projects.
Community Contributions: Access thousands of collections in Ansible Galaxy to accelerate development.
Versioning and Dependencies: Manage specific versions and dependencies to ensure compatibility.
How to Use Ansible Collections
1. Installing a Collection
Use the ansible-galaxy
command to install collections from Ansible Galaxy or private repositories.
ansible-galaxy collection install community.general
2. Using Modules from a Collection
Reference modules within a collection in your playbooks:
- name: Use a module from a collection
community.general.ping:
3. Specifying Collections in Playbooks
Define required collections at the beginning of your playbook:
---
collections:
- community.general
4. Creating Your Own Collection
Generate a new collection using the ansible-galaxy
command:
ansible-galaxy collection init my_namespace.my_collection
Customize the structure and add your content.
Popular Collections on Ansible Galaxy
community.general: A collection of common modules and plugins.
amazon.aws: Modules and plugins for managing AWS resources.
vmware.vmware_rest: Tools for automating VMware infrastructure.
kubernetes.core: Modules for managing Kubernetes clusters.
Best Practices for Ansible Collections
Use Namespaces: Prefix collections with unique namespaces to avoid conflicts.
Document Thoroughly: Provide clear documentation in the
docs/
directory.Follow Standards: Adhere to the collection directory structure for compatibility.
Version Control: Maintain versioning to track updates and dependencies.
Conclusion
Ansible collections streamline modular automation by bundling related content into reusable packages. Whether you’re building custom automation workflows or leveraging community resources, collections enhance collaboration, scalability, and efficiency.
Explore Ansible Collections on Ansible Galaxy
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