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Ansible vs YAML: What are the differences?

Ansible and YAML are both widely used in the field of IT and software development. While they serve different purposes, there are key differences between the two.

  1. YAML is a Markup Language, Ansible is an Automation Tool: YAML, short for "YAML Ain't Markup Language," is a human-readable data serialization language used to write configuration files in a structured format. On the other hand, Ansible is an open-source automation tool that uses YAML files as playbooks to define and execute tasks on remote systems.

  2. YAML is General-Purpose, Ansible is Specific to IT Automation: YAML is a flexible and general-purpose language that can be used for various purposes beyond IT automation, such as configuration files or data serialization. In contrast, Ansible is specifically designed for IT automation, making it more specialized and focused on tasks related to orchestration, configuration management, and deployment.

  3. YAML Focuses on Data Structure, Ansible Focuses on Execution: YAML primarily focuses on organizing and representing data structures in a human-readable format, making it easier for developers and administrators to understand and modify. On the other hand, Ansible focuses on the execution of tasks and defining the sequence in which they should be performed, allowing for automation and reproducibility of processes.

  4. YAML is Language-Agnostic, Ansible is Python-Based: YAML can be used with any programming language as it is independent of any specific programming ecosystem. In contrast, Ansible is built on top of Python and utilizes its syntax and libraries, providing additional capabilities for tasks that require more advanced scripting or integration with existing Python code.

  5. YAML is Configuration-Oriented, Ansible is Workflow-Oriented: YAML is used primarily for defining configuration settings, such as defining properties of software components or system resources. On the other hand, Ansible focuses on defining workflows and orchestrating the execution of tasks across multiple systems, allowing for more complex and coordinated automation processes.

  6. YAML is Static, Ansible is Dynamic: YAML files are static and need to be modified manually each time a change is required. In contrast, Ansible allows for the dynamic execution of tasks based on variables, conditionals, and loops, making it more adaptable and flexible in handling different scenarios.

In Summary, Ansible is an automation tool specifically designed for IT automation, while YAML is a general-purpose language used for data serialization and configuration files. While YAML focuses on data structure and is language-agnostic, Ansible focuses on task execution, is Python-based, and allows for dynamic workflows.

Advice on Ansible and YAML
Needs advice
on
AnsibleAnsibleChefChef
and
Puppet LabsPuppet Labs

I'm just getting started using Vagrant to help automate setting up local VMs to set up a Kubernetes cluster (development and experimentation only). (Yes, I do know about minikube)

I'm looking for a tool to help install software packages, setup users, etc..., on these VMs. I'm also fairly new to Ansible, Chef, and Puppet. What's a good one to start with to learn? I might decide to try all 3 at some point for my own curiosity.

The most important factors for me are simplicity, ease of use, shortest learning curve.

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Replies (2)
Recommends
on
AnsibleAnsible

I have been working with Puppet and Ansible. The reason why I prefer ansible is the distribution of it. Ansible is more lightweight and therefore more popular. This leads to situations, where you can get fully packaged applications for ansible (e.g. confluent) supported by the vendor, but only incomplete packages for Puppet.

The only advantage I would see with Puppet if someone wants to use Foreman. This is still better supported with Puppet.

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Gabriel Pa
Recommends
on
KubernetesKubernetes
at

If you are just starting out, might as well learn Kubernetes There's a lot of tools that come with Kube that make it easier to use and most importantly: you become cloud-agnostic. We use Ansible because it's a lot simpler than Chef or Puppet and if you use Docker Compose for your deployments you can re-use them with Kubernetes later when you migrate

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Pros of Ansible
Pros of YAML
  • 284
    Agentless
  • 210
    Great configuration
  • 199
    Simple
  • 176
    Powerful
  • 155
    Easy to learn
  • 69
    Flexible
  • 55
    Doesn't get in the way of getting s--- done
  • 35
    Makes sense
  • 30
    Super efficient and flexible
  • 27
    Powerful
  • 11
    Dynamic Inventory
  • 9
    Backed by Red Hat
  • 7
    Works with AWS
  • 6
    Cloud Oriented
  • 6
    Easy to maintain
  • 4
    Vagrant provisioner
  • 4
    Simple and powerful
  • 4
    Multi language
  • 4
    Simple
  • 4
    Because SSH
  • 4
    Procedural or declarative, or both
  • 4
    Easy
  • 3
    Consistency
  • 2
    Well-documented
  • 2
    Masterless
  • 2
    Debugging is simple
  • 2
    Merge hash to get final configuration similar to hiera
  • 2
    Fast as hell
  • 1
    Manage any OS
  • 1
    Work on windows, but difficult to manage
  • 1
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    Cons of Ansible
    Cons of YAML
    • 8
      Dangerous
    • 5
      Hard to install
    • 3
      Doesn't Run on Windows
    • 3
      Bloated
    • 3
      Backward compatibility
    • 2
      No immutable infrastructure
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      What is Ansible?

      Ansible is an IT automation tool. It can configure systems, deploy software, and orchestrate more advanced IT tasks such as continuous deployments or zero downtime rolling updates. Ansible’s goals are foremost those of simplicity and maximum ease of use.

      What is YAML?

      A human-readable data-serialization language. It is commonly used for configuration files, but could be used in many applications where data is being stored or transmitted.

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      What companies use YAML?
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