How to install Ansible in Fedora 42

How to Install Ansible in Fedora 42

In this guide, I'll walk you through installing Ansible on Fedora 42 Linux. I'm Luca Berton, and I'll show you the step-by-step process using the dnf package manager.

See also: How to Run Linux Fedora Workstation 39 on an Apple Mac

Prerequisites

• Fedora 42 system (Workstation or Server) • SSH access or terminal • Root or sudo privileges • Internet connection

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Connect via SSH

ssh devops@fedora42.yournetwork.com

Step 2: Become Root

sudo su -

Step 3: Update the System

dnf update -y

Step 4: Check Available Ansible Packages

dnf list ansible*

Step 5: Install Ansible

dnf install ansible-core -y

Step 6: Verify Installation

ansible --version

Expected output:

ansible [core 2.18.x]
  config file = /etc/ansible/ansible.cfg
  ansible python module location = /usr/lib/python3.14/site-packages/ansible
  executable location = /usr/bin/ansible
  python version = 3.14.x

Step 7: Test Ansible

ansible localhost -m ping

Expected output:

localhost | SUCCESS => {
    "changed": false,
    "ping": "pong"
}

See also: How to install Ansible in Fedora 34 - Ansible install

Configuration and First Steps

Create Ansible Configuration

mkdir -p /etc/ansible
cat > /etc/ansible/ansible.cfg << 'EOF'
[defaults]
inventory = /etc/ansible/hosts
remote_user = devops
host_key_checking = False
[privilege_escalation]
become = True
become_method = sudo
become_user = root
become_ask_pass = False
EOF

Create Initial Inventory

cat > /etc/ansible/hosts << 'EOF'
[local]
localhost ansible_connection=local
EOF

FAQ

Is Fedora 42 the latest Fedora release?

As of 2026, Fedora 42 is the current release. Fedora releases approximately every 6 months.

Should I use dnf or pip to install Ansible?

Use dnf for system-managed Ansible that integrates with Fedora. Use pip3 install ansible for the latest upstream version.

See also: How to install Ansible in Fedora 35 - Ansible install

Conclusion

You've successfully installed Ansible on Fedora 42. Start automating your infrastructure today.

For more installation guides, visit AnsiblePilot.

Related Articles

• how Ansible become works under the hood • static and dynamic Ansible inventory

Post-Installation Setup

# Create project directory
mkdir -p ~/ansible/{inventory,group_vars,roles}
# Create ansible.cfg
cat > ~/ansible/ansible.cfg << EOF
[defaults]
inventory = inventory/hosts
host_key_checking = False
retry_files_enabled = False
stdout_callback = yaml
[privilege_escalation]
become = True
become_method = sudo
EOF
# Test installation
ansible localhost -m ansible.builtin.ping
ansible localhost -m ansible.builtin.setup | head -20

First Playbook on Fedora 42

---
- name: Configure Fedora 42 workstation
  hosts: localhost
  connection: local
  become: true
  tasks:
    - name: Install development tools
      ansible.builtin.dnf:
        name:
          - gcc
          - make
          - git
          - python3-devel
          - vim-enhanced
        state: present
- name: Install Flatpak apps
      community.general.flatpak:
        name: "{{ item }}"
        state: present
      loop:
        - com.visualstudio.code
        - org.mozilla.firefox

FAQ

Is Ansible available in Fedora 42's default repos?

Yes. Both ansible-core and the full ansible package are in Fedora's default repositories. No additional repos needed.

Can I use Fedora 42 as an Ansible control node?

Yes. Fedora makes an excellent control node with up-to-date Python and Ansible packages. Use dnf install ansible-core for a minimal install.