Explained in Layman's Terms: Ansible Variables (PART 1)

Published: 16 February 2023
on channel: The Lazy SysAdmin
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What is Ansible variables? How to use Ansible variables?
In this video, we'll dive into Ansible variables, which are a key component of creating flexible and reusable automation playbooks. We'll explain the basics of Ansible variables in layman's terms, including what they are, how to define them, and where they can be used. With this knowledge, you'll be able to take your automation game to the next level and make your infrastructure work for you.

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What are Ansible variables?
Ansible variables are like shortcuts for storing values that you want to use more than once in your playbook. Instead of repeating the same information multiple times, you can store it in a variable, and then refer to that variable whenever you need it. This way, if the information changes, you can update it in one place (the variable) and it will automatically update everywhere it's used in your playbook. Variables make your playbooks more efficient and easier to maintain, by allowing you to store and reuse information in a convenient and organized way.

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Why use Ansible variables?
Reusability
In Ansible, you can define variables that can store a value and that value can be used multiple times in your playbook. This means that instead of repeating the same value multiple times throughout your playbook, you can simply refer to the variable that contains the value.

Flexibility
Variables provide flexibility to Ansible playbooks, as they allow you to dynamically change values based on different conditions. This means that you can use the same playbook across different environments, and make changes to the values used in the playbook based on the requirements of the specific environment.

Maintainability
When you use variables in your Ansible playbook, you can define a value once and then use it in multiple places. This can be very helpful for simplifying the maintenance of your playbook.

Consistency
Variables help to ensure consistency across your playbooks, as you can use the same variable with the same value in different playbooks, making it easier to manage and update information. Let's say you have two playbooks, One playbook create and configures a file, while the other playbook deletes the file. Both playbooks require the same value for the path of the file.

Readability
When you use variables in your Ansible playbook, you can replace complex values with short, easy-to-read variable names, making it easier to understand what's happening in your playbooks.

Where to use Ansible variables?
Tasks
In Ansible, tasks are the individual actions that are performed in a playbook. By using variables in tasks, you can specify file paths, command arguments, and other values that are needed to perform a task. This allows for more flexibility in how the task is performed, as the variable can be changed based on the environment or other conditions.

Playbook logic
You can use variables in conditionals, loops, and other control structures to determine which tasks to run based on certain conditions.

Playbook files
Variables can be defined in separate files and directories such as group_vars, host_vars, and vars files. These files are used to store variables that are specific to a group of hosts, an individual host, or the entire playbook.

Templates
Templates are files that can be dynamically generated using variables, and then pushed to remote hosts. By using variables in templates, you can create files that are customized for a specific host or group of hosts, without having to manually update each file.

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LINKS:
Learn Ansible -    • Learn Automation  
Ansible Variables Docs - https://docs.ansible.com/ansible/late...

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:07 What are Ansible variables
00:36 Why use Ansible variables
03:58 Where to use Ansible variables

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