Pros of Ansible

• Official repository with comprehensive documentation and extensive community support
• Includes the core Ansible codebase, allowing for deeper understanding and potential contributions
• Provides access to the latest features and bug fixes directly from the source

Cons of Ansible

• Steeper learning curve due to its extensive codebase and features
• May be overwhelming for beginners or those seeking practical examples for DevOps scenarios
• Requires more time to navigate and understand the project structure

Code Comparison

Ansible:

def run_playbook(self, playbook_path, inventory_path=None, **kwargs):
    pb = Playbook.load(playbook_path, variable_manager=self.variable_manager, loader=self.loader)
    plays = pb.get_plays()
    
    for play in plays:
        result = self._tqm.run(play)

Ansible for DevOps:

- name: Ensure Apache is installed
  apt:
    name: apache2
    state: present

- name: Copy custom index.html file
  copy:
    src: files/index.html
    dest: /var/www/html/index.html

The Ansible repository contains the core Python codebase, while Ansible for DevOps focuses on practical YAML playbooks and roles for common DevOps scenarios. Ansible for DevOps provides more accessible examples for beginners and those looking to implement DevOps practices quickly, while the Ansible repository offers a deeper dive into the tool's inner workings and allows for more advanced customization.

Pros of ansible-lint

• Focused specifically on linting Ansible playbooks and roles
• Actively maintained by the Ansible community
• Integrates well with CI/CD pipelines for automated checks

Cons of ansible-lint

• Limited to linting functionality only
• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• May require additional setup and configuration

Code comparison

ansible-lint example:

---
- name: Example playbook
  hosts: all
  tasks:
    - name: Install package
      apt:
        name: nginx
        state: present

Ansible for DevOps example:

---
- hosts: web
  become: yes
  vars_files:
    - vars.yml
  tasks:
    - name: Ensure Apache is installed
      apt: name=apache2 state=present

Summary

ansible-lint is a specialized tool for linting Ansible code, offering in-depth analysis and best practice enforcement. It's ideal for teams focused on code quality and standardization.

Ansible for DevOps, on the other hand, is a comprehensive resource for learning and implementing Ansible in real-world scenarios. It provides practical examples and guidance for DevOps practitioners.

While ansible-lint excels in code quality checks, Ansible for DevOps offers a broader educational approach to Ansible usage in DevOps environments. The choice between them depends on whether you need a linting tool or a learning resource for Ansible implementation.

Pros of AWX

• Provides a web-based user interface for managing Ansible playbooks and inventories
• Offers role-based access control and detailed job history
• Supports integration with various cloud providers and external systems

Cons of AWX

• More complex setup and maintenance compared to simple Ansible playbooks
• Requires additional resources to run (database, web server, etc.)
• Steeper learning curve for users new to Ansible

Code Comparison

AWX (using the API):

import tower_cli
job = tower_cli.get_resource('job')
result = job.launch(
    job_template=1,
    extra_vars={'foo': 'bar'}
)

Ansible-for-DevOps (using Ansible directly):

- name: Run a simple playbook
  hosts: all
  vars:
    foo: bar
  tasks:
    - name: Execute a task
      debug:
        msg: "{{ foo }}"

Summary

AWX provides a comprehensive web-based interface for managing Ansible at scale, with advanced features like access control and job scheduling. However, it comes with increased complexity and resource requirements. Ansible-for-DevOps, on the other hand, offers a simpler approach focused on learning and implementing Ansible through practical examples, making it more suitable for individual users or smaller teams getting started with Ansible.

Pros of ansible-examples

• Official Ansible repository, providing authoritative examples
• Covers a wide range of use cases and scenarios
• Regularly updated to reflect current Ansible best practices

Cons of ansible-examples

• Less structured learning path for beginners
• Lacks comprehensive explanations for each example
• May not cover some real-world deployment scenarios

Code Comparison

ansible-examples:

- name: Install Apache
  yum:
    name: httpd
    state: present

- name: Start Apache
  service:
    name: httpd
    state: started

ansible-for-devops:

- name: Install Apache
  apt:
    name: apache2
    state: present

- name: Ensure Apache is running
  service:
    name: apache2
    state: started
    enabled: yes

The ansible-examples code uses the yum module for Red Hat-based systems, while ansible-for-devops uses apt for Debian-based systems. The latter also includes the enabled: yes option to ensure Apache starts on boot.

ansible-for-devops provides a more structured approach to learning Ansible, with detailed explanations and real-world examples. It's particularly beneficial for DevOps professionals looking to implement Ansible in their workflows. However, ansible-examples offers a broader range of examples and is maintained by the official Ansible team, making it a valuable resource for reference and advanced use cases.

Pros of Molecule

• Focused on testing Ansible roles and playbooks
• Provides a standardized framework for role development
• Supports multiple test scenarios and platforms

Cons of Molecule

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Requires additional setup and configuration
• Less comprehensive documentation compared to Ansible for DevOps

Code Comparison

Molecule configuration example:

---
dependency:
  name: galaxy
driver:
  name: docker
platforms:
  - name: instance
    image: docker.io/pycontribs/centos:7
    pre_build_image: true

Ansible for DevOps example playbook:

---
- hosts: all
  become: yes
  tasks:
    - name: Ensure Apache is installed
      yum:
        name: httpd
        state: present
    - name: Ensure Apache is running
      service:
        name: httpd
        state: started
        enabled: yes

Summary

Molecule is a specialized testing framework for Ansible roles, offering a structured approach to role development and testing across multiple scenarios. It excels in providing a standardized testing environment but may be more complex for newcomers.

Ansible for DevOps, on the other hand, offers a broader perspective on Ansible usage in DevOps practices. It provides comprehensive examples and explanations, making it more accessible for beginners but less focused on specific testing methodologies.

While Molecule concentrates on role testing, Ansible for DevOps covers a wider range of Ansible applications in real-world scenarios, making it a valuable resource for understanding Ansible's role in DevOps workflows.