A Preview of Ansible Journey in 2024
Mark Your Calendar Key Releases, Events, and Conferences in 2024
Introduction
Welcome to 2024! In this article, we’ll explore the anticipated releases, community dynamics, and upcoming events in the realm of Ansible, the open-source IT automation platform. I’m Luca Berton, an Ansible Automation Expert, here to provide insights into what the year holds for this dynamic technology.
Ansible Overview
Ansible, led by Red Hat, is an open-source project integral to IT automation. The Ansible core, serving as the automation engine, powers various releases. The community plays a pivotal role, and transparency is evident through the changelog, illustrating the correspondence between community packages and Ansible core versions.
Release Cycle and Events
Typically, Ansible witnesses two major releases each year. In 2024, we expect the same pattern: Ansible 2.17 in May and Ansible 2.18 in November. Special attention is given to Ansible 2.9, which is still widely adopted despite reaching end-of-life status, particularly in network devices and special equipment.
The first release of 2024 is expected on January 29th, following a December 2023 release addressing a security issue. Community support extends beyond the latest release, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining previous versions.
- https://docs.ansible.com/ansible/latest/roadmap/ROADMAP_2_17.html
- https://groups.google.com/g/ansible-devel/c/ZMr4uv4TRCY
Key Events
The first notable event is FOSDEM in Brussels, occurring in February, along with the Configuration Management Camp in Ghent. Additionally, AnsibleFest, hosted in Denver, Colorado, in May, promises an array of sessions and expert insights. The community forum and Ansible Automate Global Tour offer additional avenues for engagement.
- https://forum.ansible.com/t/join-us-at-fosdem-and-cfgmgmtcamp-2024/2555
- https://www.redhat.com/en/summit
- https://www.redhat.com/en/events/automates?eventlocations=north-america
Community Initiatives
The Ansible community continues to evolve with the introduction of the Ansible Forum, providing a centralized space for discussions, project contributions, and announcements. Matrix communication and IRC systems facilitate diverse social interactions, while Ansible Community Day events across the globe foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Website Revamp
A significant development is the overhaul of the Ansible.com website, transitioning to a community-focused platform. Previews showcase a renewed emphasis on the Ansible ecosystem and related projects. The official mailing list, Bullhorn, is promoted for enhanced community engagement.
The Best Resources For Ansible
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eBooks
Ansible by Examples: 200+ Automation Examples For Linux and Windows System Administrator and DevOps
Ansible Cookbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Unleashing the Power of Ansible via Best Practices, Troubleshooting, and Linting Rules with Luca Berton
Terraform By Example: A Practical Approach for Beginners to Learn Cloud Infrastructure with Terraform
Ansible For Windows By Examples: 50+ Automation Examples For Windows System Administrator And DevOps
Ansible For Linux by Examples: 100+ Automation Examples For Linux System Administrator and DevOps
Ansible Linux Filesystem By Examples: 40+ Automation Examples on Linux File and Directory Operation for Modern IT Infrastructure
Ansible For Security by Examples: 100+ Automation Examples to Automate Security and Verify Compliance for IT Modern Infrastructure
Ansible Tips and Tricks: 10+ Ansible Examples to Save Time and Automate More Tasks
Ansible Linux Users & Groups By Examples: 20+ Automation Examples on Linux Users and Groups Operation for Modern IT Infrastructure
Ansible For PostgreSQL by Examples: 10+ Examples To Automate Your PostgreSQL database
Ansible For Amazon Web Services AWS By Examples: 10+ Examples To Automate Your AWS Modern Infrastructure
Ansible Automation Platform By Example: A step-by-step guide for the most common user scenarios
Ansible Automation Platform
The commercial counterpart, Ansible Automation Platform, follows a release cycle aligned with the core Ansible releases. Noteworthy is the extended support cycle for Ansible Automation Platform 1.2, incorporating Ansible Engine 2.9, which will be available until the end of 2024. This signals a transitional phase for enterprises towards embracing the latest technology.
Expectations for 2024
Looking ahead, Ansible 2.5 is anticipated to build on Red Hat’s efforts in validated and certified content, fostering collaboration with ISV partners. The integration of AI-driven tools like Ansible Lightspeed and the broader availability of event-driven automation exemplify Ansible’s commitment to innovation.
- https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/automate-expert-ansible-validated-content
- https://developers.redhat.com/products/ansible/lightspeed
Conclusion
As we venture into 2024, the Ansible community continues to thrive, embracing new technologies and fostering collaboration. Whether you’re an enthusiast, developer, or enterprise user, Ansible promises an exciting journey ahead. Stay tuned for the upcoming releases, events, and advancements, and let’s embark on this automation adventure together.
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