Using "loop" versus "with" in Ansible

Summary

The video script delves into the advanced features of Ansible playbooks, focusing on looping capabilities introduced in Ansible 2.5. It contrasts the new 'loop' keyword with the traditional 'with' keyword, highlighting that while 'with' is suitable for complex looping scenarios, 'loop' is recommended for most use cases due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The speaker encourages viewers to consult Ansible documentation to grasp the distinctions between 'loop' and 'with' and to determine the appropriate use for each.

Takeaways

• 🔁 Ansible 2.5 introduced the 'loop' keyword for creating loops in playbooks.
• 📚 The documentation emphasizes understanding the difference between 'loop' and 'with' keywords.
• ⭕ 'with' is used for more complex looping scenarios, while 'loop' is sufficient for most use cases.
• 🔍 The presenter suggests looking up the documentation to understand when to use 'loop' vs 'with'.
• 📖 The 'with' keyword can be combined with lookup plugins to handle complex conditions.
• 🛠️ The 'loop' keyword is the recommended approach for looping in Ansible unless specific behavior is needed.
• 👨‍🏫 The script serves as a tutorial on when to use 'loop' and 'with' in Ansible playbooks.
• 🔄 Looping is a key feature in writing advanced playbooks, allowing tasks to be repeated over a set of values.
• 📝 The script highlights the importance of knowing the documentation for effective use of loops in Ansible.
• 📈 Ansible's 'loop' keyword simplifies the process of creating loops compared to the older 'with' syntax.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video transcript?

The video discusses how to use loops in Ansible playbooks, specifically focusing on the 'loop' keyword introduced in Ansible 2.5 and comparing it with the older 'with_' keyword for handling loops.

What was introduced in Ansible 2.5 for loops?

Ansible 2.5 introduced the 'loop' keyword, which simplifies creating loops in playbooks and is the recommended method unless specific behavior requires the older 'with_' keyword.

What is the main difference between the 'loop' and 'with_' keywords?

The 'loop' keyword is the recommended way to handle loops for most use cases, while the 'with_' keyword (e.g., 'with_items') relies on lookup plugins and is better suited for more complex conditions or specific behaviors in looping.

When is it recommended to use the 'with_' keyword instead of 'loop'?

It is recommended to use the 'with_' keyword when you need to handle more complex conditions or when specific behavior is required that cannot be achieved using the 'loop' keyword.

Why is the 'loop' keyword preferred for most use cases?

The 'loop' keyword is preferred because it simplifies playbook writing and covers most typical use cases without needing the complexity that 'with_' keywords offer.

What does the speaker suggest the listener do regarding loops in Ansible?

The speaker suggests Googling 'Ansible loops' and reviewing the documentation to understand the difference between the 'loop' and 'with_' keywords, as well as when to use each.

Does the introduction of 'loop' replace the 'with_' keyword entirely?

No, the 'loop' keyword does not replace the 'with_' keyword entirely. The 'with_' keyword is still valid and useful in specific scenarios where complex behavior is needed.

What does the 'with_' keyword rely on?

The 'with_' keyword relies on lookup plugins to handle more complex looping conditions in Ansible playbooks.

Can the 'loop' keyword handle all scenarios?

No, the 'loop' keyword is sufficient for most scenarios, but for complex conditions or specific behaviors, the 'with_' keyword may be required.

What does the speaker recommend using for loops in Ansible unless special behavior is needed?

The speaker recommends using the 'loop' keyword for loops in Ansible unless special or complex behavior is required, in which case 'with_' may be a better option.