Module Documentation | Modules

Introduction

Ansible is a powerful automation tool used to manage and configure systems. Modules are the building blocks of Ansible's functionality. Proper documentation of these modules is crucial for usability and maintainability. This tutorial will guide you through the process of documenting Ansible modules comprehensively.

Why Module Documentation is Important

Documenting Ansible modules helps users understand the purpose, usage, and options available for each module. It also aids in troubleshooting and contributes to the overall quality of the codebase. Well-documented modules make it easier for other developers to use and extend your work.

Basic Structure of Module Documentation

Ansible module documentation typically includes the following sections:

Module Name: The name of the module.
Description: A brief description of what the module does.
Options: A detailed list of parameters that can be used with the module.
Examples: Example playbooks demonstrating how to use the module.
Return Values: Information about the values returned by the module.

Creating Module Documentation

Let's go through each section of the module documentation in detail:

Module Name

The module name should be clear and descriptive. It typically follows the format namespace.module_name. For example, ansible.builtin.command.

Description

The description should provide a clear and concise explanation of what the module does. It should highlight the primary function and any significant features.

Options

Each option should be documented with the following details:

Name: The name of the option.
Required: Whether the option is required (yes/no).
Description: A brief description of the option.
Type: The data type of the option (e.g., string, boolean).
Default: The default value, if any.

options:
  path:
    description:
      - The path of the file to manage.
    required: true
    type: str
  state:
    description:
      - The desired state of the file.
    required: false
    type: str
    choices: ['absent', 'present']
    default: 'present'

Examples

Provide example playbooks that demonstrate how to use the module. This helps users quickly understand how to implement the module in their playbooks.

- name: Ensure a file is present
  ansible.builtin.command:
    path: /etc/config_file
    state: present

Return Values

Document the values returned by the module after execution. Include the name, type, and description of each return value.

return_values:
  path:
    description: The path of the file managed.
    type: str
  changed:
    description: Whether the file was changed.
    type: bool

Best Practices for Module Documentation

Here are some best practices to follow when documenting Ansible modules:

Be clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
Use consistent formatting for readability.
Include examples that cover common use cases.
Keep the documentation up to date with code changes.
Review and test the documented examples to ensure they work as expected.

Conclusion

Documenting Ansible modules is essential for maintaining a high-quality codebase and ensuring that users can easily understand and use your modules. By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this tutorial, you can create comprehensive and effective documentation for your Ansible modules.

Ansible Module Documentation Tutorial