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Introductory and Intermediate Ansible Configuration and Administration

Ansible is a powerful open-source engine for automating configuration management, software provisioning, and deploying applications. This Introductory and Intermediate Ansible training course teaches...

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Duration 5 days
Course Code ANS-104
Available Formats Classroom

Overview

Ansible is a powerful open-source engine for automating configuration management, software provisioning, and deploying applications. This Introductory and Intermediate Ansible training course teaches attendees Ansible basics including how to build playbooks, leverage modules, and configure roles. Students then take their skills to the next level with advanced topics including playbook construction, module utilization, and node management, and more. In addition, this course covers the Ansible Tower.

Skills Gained

  • Install and configure Ansible control-node and managed-node(s)
  • Create and run playbooks
  • Use standard Ansible modules
  • Create custom modules
  • Create and modify hosts (inventory) definitions
  • Create and use roles
  • Design a 'best practice' strategy for using Ansible capabilities
  • Explore Ansible Tower as a solution for graphically managing Ansible enterprise-wide
  • Perform advanced configuration for an Ansible control node and managed nodes
  • Use conditionals, loops, filters, and loopbacks in playbooks
  • Control ad-hoc and playbook output with callback plugins
  • Create and implement dynamic inventory definitions
  • Implement reusable roles capabilities and dependencies
  • Control Ansible Core operations with run-time parameters
  • Create templates to write an Ansible custom module
  • Add documentation to an Ansible customized module
  • Create and use local fact variables
  • Implement local fact variables on managed nodes
  • Write playbooks to collect data from managed nodes

Prerequisites

It is assumed that participants are working systems administrators, developers, and/or testers with some very basic scripting knowledge (bash, ksh, Perl or Python) and have an understanding of fundamental system utilities/commands on Linux and Windows systems.

Course Details

Training Materials

All Ansible training students receive comprehensive courseware covering all topics in the course.

Software Requirements

Attendees will not need to install any software on their computers for this class. The class will be conducted in a remote environment that Ascendient Learning will provide; students will only need a local computer with a web browser and a stable Internet connection. Any recent version of Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome will work well.

Outline

  • Introduction
    • Software development (cycle) considerations
    • Strengths and weaknesses of Ansible
    • Ansible terminology
    • Ansible required environment setup
  • Initial Setup and Configuration
    • Ansible Core installation methods: rpm, pip, and Tower
    • Ansible component locations
    • Ansible documentation
    • Ansible configuration file
    • Inventory (hosts) file (Linux and Windows nodes)
    • Gathering system facts (methods)
    • Using system facts
  • Ansible Playbooks
    • Layout of playbook sections (directives, variable definitions, tasks, handlers, module modifiers)
    • Variable creation and usage
    • Using modules in playbooks
    • Controls: loops, conditionals, tags, notifications, plugins, filters, and lookups
    • Running as root
  • Ansible Modules
    • The layout of an Ansible module
    • Linux modules:  file, yum, systemd, cron, user, shell, filesystem
    • Using the Windows-specific (win_) modules
    • Common Linux and Windows modules
  • Roles in Ansible
    • Overview of a role
    • Creating a role (structure)
    • Using (a) role(s)
    • Packaging up a role
    • Ansible Galaxy - capabilities and usage with roles
    • Git repo (role) repository (creation)
    • Local access of a Git repo role repository
    • Remote access of a Git repo role repository
  • Managed Nodes
    • Requirements for a Linux managed node
    • Inventory and access control information on the control node
    • Setup of a Linux managed node
    • Requirements for a Windows managed node
    • Setup of a Windows managed node
    • Inventory and access control information on the control node
  • Ansible Tower
    • Comparison of Ansible Tower and Ansible AWX
    • General layout of the Ansible Tower
    • Installation of Ansible Tower (and Ansible AWX)
    • Using the Ansible Tower / AWX (dashboard)
    • Define Ansible Tower / AWX user accounts
    • Create inventories of systems (with credentials)
    • Create projects and job templates
    • Job scheduling (launch forms), status, and tracking
    • Watching and chaining (multi-) playbooks (workflows)
    • Controlling and viewing logs and audit trails
    • Notifications
  • Control Code and Managed Node Required Configuration
    • Ansible components review
    • Running Ansible in escalated privilege mode
    • SSH key setup
    • Ansible common account creation, setup, and features
    • Required components for a Linux/Unix/Windows managed node
  • Advanced Control Node Setup and Configuration
    • Ansible Core installation methods: rpm, pip, and Tower (changes)
    • Ansible command and module documentation
    • Inventory hosts file contents (Linux/Unix, Windows, and network device nodes)
    • Dynamic inventory hosts file contents and usage
    • Ansible configuration file (locations and parameter definitions)
    • Special use configuration parameter definitions
    • Methods to control gathering of system facts
    • Creating and using local system facts
    • Understanding the hostvars dictionary usage
    • Variable creation and usage
  • Ansible Playbooks
    • Layout of a playbook: directives, tasks and arguments, module modifiers
    • Installing and using ansible-lint
    • Playbook: loops, conditionals, tags, notifications, plugins, filters, and lookups
    • Controls: output formatting and inclusion with callbacks
    • Advanced Jinja 2 template usage
    • Using “inner” and “outer” playbooks
  • Ansible Modules/Tasks
    • Including external tasks in a playbook
    • Controls over node and task scheduling
    • Configuration parameters that control rolling updates
    • Using Ansible playbook debugging capabilities
    • Writing a customized module and embedded documentation
  • Roles in Ansible
    • review of role creation / structure, packaging, and usage
    • importing role definitions (on a control node)
    • role dependencies definitions and usager
  • Collections in Ansible
    • Collection creation and structure (components)
    • Using a role inside a collection
    • Using a module inside of a collection
    • Using a playbook inside of a collection
  • Conclusion
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Schedule

Upcoming Course Dates

There are currently no scheduled dates for this course. If you are interested in this course, contact us with the form below.

Contact Information

FAQ

Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?

Classes typically include a 1-hour lunch break around midday. However, the exact break times and duration can vary depending on the specific class. Your instructor will provide detailed information at the start of the course.

What languages are used to deliver training?

Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.

What does GTR stand for?

GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.

Does Ascendient Learning deliver group training?

Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.

What does vendor-authorized training mean?

As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.

Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?

It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.

How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?

We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.

Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?

Ascendient Learning instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience and have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay current, instructors spend at least 25 percent of their time learning new, emerging technologies and courses.

Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?

Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.

Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?

We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth.  We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.

How do I get started with certification?

Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact info@ascendientlearning.com.

Will I get access to content after I complete a course?

You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.

How do I request a W9 for Ascendient Learning?

View our filing status and how to request a W9.

Reviews

I like their training. A lot of material covered. The labs are very good. l learned a lot.

ExitCertified provided great learning material and the instructor was great.

Instructor, Training material & span of the training is neatly planned.

Sean is the very good instructor. I would like to take his class again in the future.

Instructor was great, course was mostly very good except for too much focus on pricing