Ansible Modules Types Explained

Automating routine IT tasks is essential for efficiency, consistency, and scalability. That’s where Ansible modules come in. They allow IT teams to automate infrastructure management, streamline deployments, and reduce manual work.

Ready to master Ansible automation? Start your free trial with CloudMyLab and get hands-on experience with our enterprise-grade lab environment. Our platform provides everything you need to practice and perfect your Ansible skills.

If you’re in DevOps, system administration, or cloud infrastructure, mastering Ansible modules will save you time, reduce errors, and improve operational efficiency. This guide will break down what Ansible modules are, how they work, when to use them, and troubleshooting tips to help you get the most out of them.

You’ll also learn how to set up your own practice environment on CloudMyLab to get hands-on experience.

What are Ansible Modules?

Ansible modules are scripts that execute specific tasks on remote systems. These tasks include installing software, managing users, configuring networks, and handling databases.

What makes Ansible modules powerful is their idempotency—running the same module multiple times won’t create unwanted changes. If the system is already in the desired state, nothing happens. This ensures that infrastructure remains consistent and error-free.

How Ansible Modules Work

Ansible modules work by executing predefined commands across remote machines. Here’s how:

1. Define the task – Example: Install a package or update a configuration file.
2. Run the Ansible playbook – The playbook sends commands to the remote machine.
3. Check idempotency – If the change isn’t needed, Ansible skips it.

Here’s an example of an Ansible playbook using the user module to create a user:

- name: Create a new user
  hosts: servers
  tasks:
    - name: Add a user named "devops"
      ansible.builtin.user:
        name: devops
        state: present

This playbook ensures that the devops user exists—if the user is already present, no changes are made.

Types of Ansible Modules and Their Use Cases

Ansible offers over 1,300 modules, each designed for different IT tasks. Below, we’ll go through the most commonly used categories, their use cases, and how they make IT automation easier.

Ansible Cloud Modules

Cloud modules allow you to interact with major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, and OpenStack. These modules make it easy to automate the provisioning and management of cloud resources, such as launching virtual machines (VMs), creating storage instances, and setting up networks.

Use Case: Automating the provisioning and scaling of cloud infrastructure across multiple platforms like AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, and OpenStack.

These modules help DevOps teams streamline cloud management by automating infrastructure as code (IaC). Instead of manually setting up instances, you can use Ansible to define, deploy, and maintain cloud environments automatically.

Popular modules:

• amazon.aws.ec2_instance – Manages AWS EC2 instances.
• azure.azcollection.azure_rm_virtualmachine – Creates and manages Azure VMs.
• google.cloud.gcp_compute_instance – Manages Google Cloud virtual machines.

Learn more about implementing bare metal services for optimal cloud automation performance.

Scenario: You need to provision virtual machines in AWS without manually clicking through the AWS console.

Solution: Use the EC2 module to automate instance creation.

- name: Launch an AWS EC2 instance
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EC2 instance
      amazon.aws.ec2_instance:
        name: my-instance
        key_name: my-key
        instance_type: t2.micro
        image_id: ami-12345678
        region: us-east-1
        state: present

Ansible System Modules

System modules handle core operating system tasks, such as service management, user creation, and package installation.

Use Case: Managing user accounts, system services, and package installations across multiple Linux or Windows servers.

These modules ensure consistent system setup across thousands of hosts, reducing manual configuration errors.

Ansible user Module

ansible.builtin.user module manages user accounts on managed hosts. It can create, modify, or delete users, set passwords, assign groups, and manage SSH keys. It's essential for automating user management across your infrastructure.

Ansible group Module

ansible.builtin.group module is very similar to the user module, but it works on groups instead of users. It can create, modify, or delete groups on managed hosts.

Ansible service Module

ansible.builtin.service module manages services on managed hosts. It can start, stop, restart, reload, and check the status of services. It's crucial for automating service management, ensuring your applications are running as expected.

Ansible cron Module

The ansible.builtin.cron module allows you to manage cron jobs on managed hosts. You can create, modify, or delete cron jobs, automating the scheduling of tasks.

Ansible system Module (Less Common, Often Implied)

While there may not be a dedicated "system" module, the modules listed above (user, service, cron, etc.) collectively handle most system administration tasks. The setup module, described below, also provides system information.

Ansible setup Module

The setup module gathers facts about managed hosts. These facts include information about the operating system, network interfaces, memory, CPU, and more. These facts can then be used in your playbooks and templates to make your automation more dynamic and adaptable.

Scenario: Your team needs to install essential packages on 100 servers.

Solution: Use the apt module (for Ubuntu/Debian) or dnf module (for RHEL-based systems).

- name: Install required software
  hosts: servers
  tasks:
    - name: Install Apache
      ansible.builtin.apt:
        name: apache2
        state: present

Ansible File Modules

File modules help in managing files and directories on remote hosts. These modules allow you to copy files, set permissions, create directories, and ensure that specific files exist or are removed from a system.

Use Case: Setting up directory structures and distributing configuration files to target systems, including copying, creating, modifying, or deleting files and directories.

These modules help maintain file consistency across multiple servers, eliminating the need for manual file transfers.

Ansible copy Module

ansible.builtin.copy module copies files from the control machine (where Ansible is run) to managed hosts. It's crucial for distributing configuration files, application binaries, or other data to your servers. It supports features like setting file permissions, ownership, and timestamps.

Ansible file Module

ansible.builtin.file module is a versatile tool for managing files and directories on managed hosts. It can create, modify, or delete files and directories, set permissions and ownership, and even manage symbolic links. It's often used in conjunction with the copy module to ensure files are placed and configured correctly.

Ansible template Module

ansible.builtin.template module uses Jinja2 templating to dynamically generate files on managed hosts. You define a template file with placeholders (variables) that are populated with data from your Ansible inventory, variables defined in your playbook, or facts gathered from the target systems. This is extremely useful for creating customized configuration files that vary from host to host.

Ansible replace Module

This module searches for a specific pattern within a file and replaces it with another string. It's useful for making targeted changes to configuration files without having to rewrite the entire file.

Ansible lineinfile Module

The ansible.builtin.lineinfile module ensures that a specific line exists in a file, and it can also remove lines. It's helpful for managing configuration files where you need to add or remove specific lines without affecting other content.

Ansible stat Module

The stat module retrieves file or file system status information. This includes details like file size, permissions, modification time, and whether the file exists. You can use this information in conditional tasks to only perform actions if certain criteria are met.

Scenario: You need to copy a configuration file to all application servers.

Solution: Use the copy module.

- name: Deploy configuration file
  hosts: app_servers
  tasks:
    - name: Copy config file
      ansible.builtin.copy:
        src: /local/path/app.conf
        dest: /etc/app/app.conf
        owner: root
        group: root
        mode: '0644'

Ansible Networking Modules

Networking modules are designed to automate the management of network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls. These modules allow you to configure network interfaces, apply firewall rules, and manage VLANs, routing tables, and more.

Use Case: Automating network devices like routers, switches, and firewalls to configure interfaces, apply firewall rules, manage VLANs, and more.

Network engineers benefit from Ansible's networking modules because they allow for network configurations to be made quickly and accurately. Discover how to boost your network simulation skills using modern automation tools.

Popular modules:

• cisco.ios.ios_config – Configures Cisco network devices.
• juniper.junos.junos_config – Manages Juniper routers and switches.
• ansible.builtin.iptables – Configures firewall rules on Linux servers.

Scenario: You need to configure VLANs and firewall rules on a Cisco switch.

Solution: Use the ios_config module to apply configurations.

- name: Configure VLAN on Cisco Switch
  hosts: switches
  tasks:
    - name: Add VLAN 10
      cisco.ios.ios_config:
        lines:
          - vlan 10
          - name Web_Traffic

Ansible Database Modules

Ansible includes database modules that manage popular databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. These modules allow you to create databases, manage users, configure permissions, and execute SQL commands.

Use Case: Managing databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB by creating databases, managing users, executing SQL queries.

Database modules are especially useful when setting up development environments or deploying complex applications that rely on databases. Automating these tasks eliminates the need for manual intervention when setting up or maintaining databases, ensuring that database environments are configured correctly every time.

Popular modules:

• community.mysql.mysql_db – Creates and manages MySQL databases.
• community.postgresql.postgresql_user – Manages PostgreSQL users.
• community.mongodb.mongodb_user – Handles MongoDB access control.

Ansible Container Modules

As containerization becomes increasingly popular, Ansible offers modules to manage container platforms such as Docker, Kubernetes, and Podman. These modules allow you to deploy, manage, and scale containers with ease.

Use Case: Managing container platforms like Docker, Kubernetes, and Podman to deploy and scale containers.

Container modules are essential for DevOps teams working with microservices architectures. They simplify container orchestration and help ensure that containerized applications are deployed consistently across different environments.

Popular modules:

• community.docker.docker_container – Manages Docker containers.
• community.kubernetes.k8s – Controls Kubernetes objects.
• containers.podman.podman_container – Handles Podman containers.

Ansible Windows Modules

Ansible also supports Windows environments, offering modules that automate tasks like managing Windows services, user accounts, file systems, and software packages. With these modules, you can manage Windows servers just as easily as you would manage Linux or Unix servers.

Use Case: Automating software installation, patch management, and user account creation in a Windows environment.

Windows modules make it possible for system administrators to automate tasks like patch management, user creation, and service control across hundreds of Windows servers. This is particularly useful in environments where Windows is the primary operating system, allowing admins to apply consistent configurations without manual intervention.

Popular modules:

• ansible.windows.win_feature – Installs Windows features.
• ansible.windows.win_service – Manages Windows services.
• ansible.windows.win_updates – Automates Windows updates.

For enterprise environments, consider exploring managed POC solutions to test your automation strategies effectively.

Ansible Source Control Modules

Source control modules allow you to automate the interaction with version control systems like Git and Subversion. These modules enable you to clone repositories, manage branches, and interact with codebases directly from Ansible playbooks. (git)

Use Case: Automating the deployment of applications by pulling code from version control systems during infrastructure provisioning.

Source control modules are particularly useful in Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) pipelines. Automating code retrieval and deployment reduces the possibility of human error and ensures that applications are always deployed from the most up-to-date source.

Ansible git Module

The ansible.builtin.git module allows you to interact with Git repositories. You can clone repositories, checkout branches, commit changes, and perform other Git operations. It's essential for automating code deployments and managing application versions.

Ansible Package Management Modules

Ansible provides a suite of modules specifically designed for managing software packages across various operating systems. These modules abstract away the complexities of interacting with different package managers, providing a consistent interface for tasks like installation, updates, and removal.

Use Case: Automating software installation, updates, and removal on Linux servers.

Package management modules are essential for system administrators and DevOps engineers who need to manage software across a large number of servers. They eliminate the need for manual intervention, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring consistency.

Ansible yum Module

This module is used for package management on Red Hat-based systems (e.g., CentOS, RHEL). It can install, update, and remove software packages.

Ansible apt Module

This module is used for package management on Debian/Ubuntu-based systems. It provides similar functionality to the yum module, allowing you to manage software packages.

Ansible dnf Module

This module is a newer package manager used on Fedora and some newer RHEL-based systems. It offers similar functionality to yum and apt.

Ansible Command Execution Modules

Ansible offers modules specifically designed for executing commands on managed hosts. These modules provide flexibility in how commands are run, catering to different needs and use cases. While they offer powerful capabilities, it's important to understand their nuances and use them appropriately.

Use Case: Automating ad-hoc tasks, running scripts, or performing complex operations on remote servers.

Command execution modules are essential for a wide range of automation tasks. They allow you to perform ad-hoc operations, run custom scripts, or execute complex commands that might not be covered by dedicated Ansible modules. They are particularly useful when interacting with applications or systems that don't have a specific Ansible module available.

Ansible command Module

The command module executes a specified command directly on the target host, without involving a shell. This is suitable for simple commands where shell features like piping or redirection are not required. It's generally preferred for its predictability and security.

Ansible shell Module

The shell module, on the other hand, executes commands through a shell on the managed host. This allows you to leverage shell features like piping, redirection, and globbing. While powerful, the shell module should be used with caution, as it can introduce complexities related to shell quoting and escaping. It's generally recommended to use the command module or more specific Ansible modules whenever possible, reserving the shell module for situations where shell features are absolutely necessary. For example, if you need to pipe the output of one command to another, or if you need to use wildcards to select multiple files, the shell module would be appropriate.

Troubleshooting Ansible Modules

Even with automation, issues can arise. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Missing Modules: If Ansible reports a module not found, it might not be installed. Use ansible-galaxy collection install to install the required collection. For example, if you need a cloud module, you might need to install the appropriate cloud collection. Double-check the module name for typos.
• Incorrect Module Parameters: Supplying incorrect or missing parameters to a module is a frequent cause of errors. Consult the module documentation (ansible-docs ) to understand the required parameters and their usage. Pay close attention to data types (string, integer, list, etc.) and ensure they are correctly provided.
• Network Connectivity Problems: Ansible needs to connect to managed hosts. Network issues, such as incorrect SSH credentials, firewall restrictions, or DNS resolution problems, can prevent successful module execution. Verify network connectivity using ping or ssh to the target hosts. Check your Ansible inventory file for correct hostnames or IP addresses.
• Idempotency Issues: A module should ideally be idempotent, meaning running it multiple times has the same effect as running it once. If a module makes unintended changes on subsequent runs, it's not truly idempotent. Carefully review the module's actions and ensure it only modifies the target system when necessary. Use the --check (dry-run) and --diff options with ansible-playbook to preview changes before applying them.
• Permissions Issues: The Ansible user on the control node and the user Ansible connects as on the managed nodes must have the necessary permissions to execute the modules and perform the required actions. Verify that the user has appropriate privileges.
• Syntax Errors: Incorrect YAML syntax in your playbooks is a common pitfall. Use a YAML linter or validator to catch syntax errors before running your playbooks. Ansible also provides helpful error messages that often pinpoint the line and type of syntax issue.
• Ansible Version Compatibility: Ensure your Ansible version is compatible with the modules you are using. Older modules might not work correctly with newer Ansible versions, and vice-versa. Refer to the module documentation for compatibility information.

Best Practices for Ansible Modules

Organize Your Playbooks

✅ Use roles to structure tasks into reusable components.
✅ Example directory structure:

/roles
  /webserver
    /tasks
    /handlers
    /templates
    /files

Secure Your Automation

✅ Never store passwords in playbooks—use Ansible Vault:

ansible-vault encrypt_string --stdin-name 'db_password'

Test Before Deployment

✅ Use staging environments to verify automation before running in production.

Version Control Everything

✅ Store all playbooks in Git for tracking changes.

When setting up your testing environment, understand the differences between EVE-NG vs CML to choose the right platform for your automation needs.

Final Thoughts

Ansible modules simplify IT automation, making it easier to deploy infrastructure, configure servers, and manage cloud resources.

By using Ansible modules, teams can:

✅ Reduce manual work
✅ Prevent configuration drift
✅ Standardize IT operations

If you’re managing a growing IT environment, mastering Ansible modules will help streamline your workflows.

Get Hands-On with Ansible Modules

Want to practice Ansible modules in a real-world lab? CloudMyLab provides a fully managed test environment for experimenting with Ansible automation—without the risk of breaking production systems.

CloudMyLab provides the perfect environment to test and refine your automation skills. Start your free trial today and get access to our enterprise-grade lab infrastructure, complete with all the tools you need for Ansible automation.

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