How to Install Ansible on CentOS 7
Ansible is a powerful IT automation tool that streamlines the management of remote servers. It requires Python (version 2.7 or higher) and operates from a centralized control node, managing servers over SSH. Install Ansible on CentOS 7 is the first step to automating your server management tasks.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing and configuring Ansible on CentOS 7. We’ll also show how ZippyOPS can enhance your automation capabilities with consulting, implementation, and managed services for DevOps, AIOps, and other automation solutions.
Step 1: To Install Ansible, Install the EPEL Repository on CentOS
Before installing Ansible, ensure that the CentOS 7 EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository is enabled. This repository contains the necessary packages for Ansible.
Run the following command to install the EPEL repository:
sudo yum install epel-release -y
Step 2: Install Ansible
Once the EPEL repository is installed, you can easily install Ansible using the yum package manager.
Run this command to install Ansible:
sudo yum install ansible -y
Step 3: Verify Installation after Install Ansible
After installation, check whether Ansible was installed successfully. To do this, navigate to the Ansible directory:
cd /etc/ansible/
Then, list the directory contents to confirm the installation:
ls
You should see the ansible.cfg, hosts, and roles directories.
Step 4: Create a User for the Ansible Control Node
To manage Ansible, create a user on the control node. This user will be responsible for running Ansible commands.
useradd admin
passwd admin
Step 5: Configure Passwordless Sudo Access
To allow the admin user to run commands with sudo without entering a password, you need to modify the sudoers file:
visudo
Add the following line at the end of the sudoers file:
admin ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL
This configuration ensures that the control node user can run commands on the managed nodes without requiring a password.
Step 6: Configure SSH Access
For Ansible to communicate with the managed nodes over SSH, you must set up SSH key authentication. First, generate an SSH key pair on the control node:
ssh-keygen
Next, copy the public key to the managed node:
ssh-copy-id admin@192.168.1.4
The admin user can now access the managed node over SSH without entering a password.
Step 7: Create an Ansible Inventory File
Ansible needs an inventory file to track the servers it manages. Follow these steps to create the inventory file:
- Log in to the control node as the
adminuser. - Create and edit the inventory file:
vi /home/admin/inventory
- Add the IP address of the managed node to the inventory file:
[node]
192.168.1.4
Step 8: Test Connectivity
Finally, test the connectivity between the control node and the managed node by running a simple ping command:
ansible all -i inventory -m ping
If successful, you’ll see a message like this:
192.168.1.4 | SUCCESS => {
"ansible_facts": {
"discovered_interpreter_python": "/usr/libexec/platform-python"
},
"changed": false,
"ping": "pong"
}
This confirms that your Ansible installation and configuration are correct, and the managed node is reachable.
ZippyOPS: Enhancing Automation with Expert Services
Once you’ve installed Ansible, consider how ZippyOPS can improve your automation strategy. ZippyOPS provides expert consulting, implementation, and managed services in areas like DevOps, Cloud, AIOps, MLOps, and Infrastructure. Whether you need to automate microservices or improve security, ZippyOPS has the experience to support your goals.
Discover more about our services and solutions. For additional resources, check out the ZippyOPS YouTube channel for helpful tutorials and insights.
Conclusion: Simplify Server Management with Ansible
Installing and configuring Ansible on CentOS 7 is the first step towards efficient server management. With Ansible’s simple and flexible approach, you can automate a wide range of IT tasks. For more robust automation and expert guidance, ZippyOPS is ready to assist with consulting and managed services.
To optimize your automation processes and take advantage of expert support, reach out to ZippyOPS at sales@zippyops.com.
