Run Shell Scripts on Remote Host
Learn how to automate the execution of shell scripts on remote hosts using Ansible, enabling efficient and repeatable task execution in your infrastructure.
Overview
This lab will show you how to use Ansible to automate the execution of shell scripts on remote hosts. First, you will set up host mappings, use scp to transfer files, and create a basic playbook to automate script execution. By the end of this lab, you will have practical experience with Ansible for secure and efficient automation and controlling remote hosts.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this lab, you will be able to:
- Use scp to transfer files securely between systems.
- Write and execute Ansible playbooks to run shell scripts on remote servers.
- Verify successful execution of tasks through output and file inspection.
- Understand how to set up and execute automated scripts on remote hosts.
Key Concepts
- Shell Script Automation
- Shell scripts are powerful tools for automating repetitive tasks on Linux systems.
- In this lab, a simple shell script writes a "Hello World" message to a file, demonstrating basic script execution.
- File Permissions
- Scripts need execute permissions (chmod +x) to run on Linux systems.
- Managing permissions is critical for security and functionality.
- Ansible Modules for Script Automation
- shell Module: Used to execute shell commands or scripts on remote hosts.
Example: Run a script remotely and capture its output.
- copy Module: Transfers files such as scripts to remote systems, ensuring they are available for execution.
Example: Move the script from your control node to the target host.
Conclusion
This lab demonstrates the importance of using Ansible to automate shell script execution on remote hosts. Shell scripts are essential tools for system administration, allowing effective handling of repetitive tasks. By leveraging Ansible, you can consistently execute these scripts across multiple systems, reducing the likelihood of human error. Using modules like shell and copy, Ansible's automation features enhance security, streamline workflows, and maintain scalable infrastructure.