Managing Virtual Environments with Pipenv for Ansible Projects

Streamlining Ansible Projects with Pipenv: A Virtual Environment Management Guide.

November 17, 2023

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Managing Virtual Environments with Pipenv for Ansible Projects

When it comes to Python development, managing dependencies and creating a clean development environment are crucial aspects of maintaining a project. One popular tool that simplifies this process is Pipenv. It not only helps in managing virtual environments but also streamlines the process of adding and removing packages, making it an excellent choice for Python developers. In this article, we will explore how to use Pipenv to manage virtual environments specifically for Ansible projects.

What is Pipenv?

Pipenv is a versatile tool that brings together the best aspects of various packaging tools from different programming languages (such as bundler, composer, npm, cargo, yarn, etc.) and tailors them to the Python ecosystem. Its primary functions include automatic creation and management of virtual environments for projects and the addition/removal of packages from the Pipfile as packages are installed or uninstalled. Additionally, Pipenv generates the essential Pipfile.lock, which is crucial for ensuring deterministic builds.

Installation and Setup

To begin using Pipenv for an Ansible project, follow these steps:

Create a Project Directory:

$ mkdir ansible-project
$ cd ansible-project

Initialize Pipenv:
```
$ pipenv --python 3
```
This command initializes a new virtual environment with Python version 3. In this example, we use Python 3.11.2.
Install Ansible:
```
$ pipenv install ansible
```
Here, we use the pipenv install command to install Ansible within the virtual environment.

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Checking Ansible Version

After the installation is complete, you can check the Ansible version within the Pipenv virtual environment:

Start the Pipenv Shell:
```
$ pipenv shell
```
This command activates the virtual environment.

Check Ansible Version:

$ ansible --version

The output will display information about the installed Ansible version, configuration file location, module search path, Python module location, and other relevant details.

Sample Output:

ansible [core 2.15.1]
  config file = /etc/ansible/ansible.cfg
  configured module search path = ['/home/sysadmin/.ansible/plugins/modules', '/usr/share/ansible/plugins/modules']
  ansible python module location = /home/sysadmin/.local/share/virtualenvs/ansible-project-3Z1Z2Z2z/lib/python3.11/site-packages/ansible
  ansible collection location = /home/sysadmin/.ansible/collections:/usr/share/ansible/collections
  executable location = /home/sysadmin/.local/share/virtualenvs/ansible-project-3Z1Z2Z2z/bin/ansible
  python version = 3.11.2 (main, Mar 13 2023, 12:18:29) [GCC 12.2.0] (/home/sysadmin/.local/share/virtualenvs/ansible-project-3Z1Z2Z2z/bin/python)
  jinja version = 3.1.2
  libyaml = True

Conclusion

Pipenv simplifies the management of virtual environments for Ansible projects, ensuring a clean and reproducible development environment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can seamlessly set up and manage your Python and Ansible dependencies, fostering a more efficient and organized development workflow. Subscribe to the YouTube channel, Medium, and Website, X (formerly Twitter) to not miss the next episode of the Ansible Pilot.