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Challenge: Using Conditionals and Variable Prompts in Ansible Playbook

Overview

This challenge will test your ability to use conditionals, variable prompts, and task execution based on variable values in an Ansible playbook. By constructing a playbook that incorporates these elements, you will enhance your skills in creating dynamic and interactive automation scripts.

Objectives

  • Prompt the user for input using vars_prompt.
  • Validate and use the input with conditionals.
  • Execute tasks based on logical conditions.

Prerequisites

  • Basic knowledge of Ansible playbooks.
  • Ansible installed on your ansible machine.
  • Access to target hosts categorized as "webservers."

Duration

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Set Up the Playbook Structure

  1. Create a YAML file named conditional_prompt_challenge.yml.

  2. Define the play's name, target hosts, and skip fact gathering:

    ---
- name: Conditional play
  hosts: webservers
  gather_facts: no

Step 2: Implement Variable Prompt

  1. Add a vars_prompt section to solicit user input for a variable named question. The input should be either "yes" or "no":

      vars_prompt:
    - name: "question"
      prompt: "Please answer 'yes' or 'no'"
      private: no

Step 3: Define Static Variables

  1. Add the following pre-defined variables:

      vars:
    epic: true
    distro: "Ubuntu"

    Explanation:

    • epic: A boolean variable.
    • distro: Represents the operating system.

Step 4: Add Conditional Tasks

  1. Add a task to validate that the question variable holds a valid value:

        - name: Validate user input
      assert:
        that:
          - question in ["yes", "no"]
        fail_msg: "Invalid input. Please enter 'yes' or 'no'."

  2. Add the first task to execute if question is "yes" and distro is "Ubuntu":

        - name: Print message if question is 'yes' and distro is Ubuntu
      debug:
        msg: "Condition met: question is 'yes' and distro is Ubuntu."
      when: question == "yes" and distro == "Ubuntu"

  3. Add the second task to execute if question is "no" or epic is true:

        - name: Print message if question is 'no' or epic is true
      debug:
        msg: "Condition met: question is 'no' or epic is true."
      when: question == "no" or epic

Step 5: Test the Playbook

  1. Save the conditional_prompt_challenge.yml file.

  2. Run the playbook using the following command:

    ansible-playbook conditional_prompt_challenge.yml

  3. Provide input when prompted and observe the task execution based on the conditions.

Solution Files

You can compare your solution with the provided examples:

Conclusion

In this challenge, you practiced creating Ansible playbooks that prompt users for input, validate the input, and execute tasks based on logical conditions. Mastering these techniques is essential for creating dynamic and adaptable automation scripts in Ansible. Keep refining your skills to handle more complex scenarios! 👏