Ansible Custom Modules and Syntax Errors

Ansible Modules:

According to the article by red hat on ansible modules, Ansible modules are the main building

blocks of Ansible playbooks. It clarifies that modules are a type of plugin, even though they are

not typically referred to as “module plugins”. (Modules — Ansible Documentation, n.d.) They

can interact with the local machine, APIs, or remote systems to perform actions like managing

files, installing software, or configuring services. Essentially, they're the tools in Ansible's

toolbox.

Benefits of ansible custom modules

According to the article by Calleri, (2023), building custom Ansible modules using Python

Requests offers several advantages, including specialized functionality for unique infrastructure

or application needs, integration with APIs lacking dedicated Ansible modules, reusability across

playbooks for recurring tasks, efficient handling of complex data manipulation, and access to

Python's extensive library ecosystem. These custom modules enable users to tailor Ansible to

specific requirements, providing flexibility, efficiency, and the ability to automate diverse

scenarios beyond the capabilities of standard Ansible modules. (Calleri, 2023)

Disadvantages of Custom Modules:

Creating custom Ansible modules has drawbacks, including challenges with defining

dependencies between modules and the potential for errors in the script. Unlike using built-in

Ansible modules with predefined dependencies, custom modules may lack a straightforward way

to manage inter-module relationships. Additionally, if errors occur in a custom module script

during deployment, rectifying the issues requires fixing the script and redeploying it, which can
introduce downtime or disrupt automation processes. This emphasizes the importance of

thorough testing and validation when developing and deploying custom Ansible modules to

ensure smooth and reliable automation workflows.

Programming Language Syntax:

Programming language syntax is the rules that define the correct combination of symbols

required to construct a valid script structure within a given programming language. It serves as a

set of guidelines dictating how code should be written and organized. (What Is Syntax in a

Programming Language?, n.d.)

Syntax Errors:

Syntax errors are inaccuracies in the coding syntax or programming language rules introduced by

the programmer. These errors occur when the code does not adhere to the prescribed syntax of

the chosen programming language, hindering the proper execution of the script. (What Is Syntax

in a Programming Language?, n.d.)

Python for Custom Modules:

Python stands out as an optimal choice for developing custom modules due to its capability to

express concepts effectively with language equivalent minimal lines of code. The language's

conciseness reduces too much wording, making it easier to write and maintain custom modules.

Additionally, Python's support for multiple programming paradigms enhances its versatility in

addressing various requirements. (Calleri, 2023)

Checking Playbook Syntax Errors:

Ansible provides a useful option to verify Playbooks for syntax errors using the --syntax-check

code. This feature allows programmers to assess the correctness of their Playbook syntax before

deployment, helping identify and rectify potential issues, thereby ensuring a smoother and error-

free automation workflow.

(Syntax-Check - Ansible Lint Documentation, n.d.)

References:

Calleri, J. (2023, September 7). A beginner’s guide to building a custom Ansible module with

Python Requests. CloudWerkstatt - Deine IT Helden.

https://www.cloudwerkstatt.com/en/a-beginners-guide-to-building-a-custom-ansible-

module-with-python-requests/

Hochstein, L., & Moser, R. (2017). Ansible: Up and Running: Automating Configuration

Management and Deployment the Easy Way. In Google Books. “O’Reilly Media, Inc.”

https://books.google.co.ke/books?

hl=en&lr=&id=h5YtDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=ANSIBLE+MODULES&ots=

MLm9-rVXVS&sig=zIjat-

6Kq3PYoxDlNG82Mivuac4&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

‌Modules — Ansible Documentation. (n.d.). Docs.ansible.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from

https://docs.ansible.com/ansible/latest/plugins/module.html

syntax-check - Ansible Lint Documentation. (n.d.). Ansible.readthedocs.io. Retrieved March 13,

2024, from https://ansible.readthedocs.io/projects/lint/rules/syntax-check/#:~:text=One

%20of%20the%20most%20common

‌What is syntax in a programming language? (n.d.). Educative: Interactive Courses for Software

Developers. https://www.educative.io/blog/what-is-syntax-in-programming

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