Using Ansible with Jenkins

1. Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to use Ansible with Jenkins to automate your CI/CD pipelines. Ansible is an open-source automation tool that can be used for configuration management, application deployment, and task automation. Jenkins is an open-source automation server that helps automate the parts of software development related to building, testing, and deploying, facilitating continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). By integrating Ansible with Jenkins, we can streamline the deployment process and achieve a more efficient workflow.

2. Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following prerequisites:

• Jenkins installed and running
• Ansible installed on the Jenkins server
• Basic understanding of Jenkins and Ansible

3. Installing Ansible on Jenkins Server

First, we need to install Ansible on the Jenkins server. You can do this by running the following commands:

Verify the installation by running:

4. Configuring Jenkins to Use Ansible

To configure Jenkins to use Ansible, follow these steps:

1. Open Jenkins and navigate to Manage Jenkins > Manage Plugins.
2. In the Available tab, search for AnsiColor and install it. This plugin will help in colorizing the Ansible output in Jenkins console.
3. Next, navigate to Manage Jenkins > Global Tool Configuration.
4. Scroll down to the Ansible section and add a new Ansible installation by providing a name and the path to the Ansible executable.

5. Creating a Jenkins Job to Run Ansible Playbook

Now, let's create a Jenkins job to run an Ansible playbook:

1. From the Jenkins dashboard, click New Item.
2. Enter a name for the job and select Freestyle project, then click OK.
3. In the job configuration page, scroll down to the Build Environment section and check the Color ANSI Console Output option.
4. Scroll down to the Build section and click Add build step, then select Execute shell.
5. In the shell command text area, enter the command to run your Ansible playbook, for example:

6. Running the Jenkins Job

To run the Jenkins job, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Jenkins dashboard and click on the job you created.
2. Click Build Now to start the job.
3. Monitor the job's progress in the Build History section.
4. Click on the build number to view the console output and ensure that the Ansible playbook ran successfully.

7. Example Ansible Playbook

Here is an example of a simple Ansible playbook that you can use to test your setup:

---
- name: Test Ansible Playbook
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Print a message
      debug:
        msg: "Ansible is working with Jenkins!"
                

8. Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have covered the steps to integrate Ansible with Jenkins to automate your CI/CD pipelines. By following these steps, you can streamline your deployment process and ensure a more efficient workflow. Happy automating!