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ansible / Installing Packages
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Installing Packages

Installing software packages is a core automation task. Ansible provides package modules for all major systems: apt (Debian/Ubuntu), yum (RHEL/CentOS), dnf (Fedora), pacman (Arch), and homebrew (macOS).

Using the Generic package Module

For cross‑platform playbooks, use the package module. It automatically selects the correct package manager based on the OS.
- name: Install nginx on any Linux
  package:
    name: nginx
    state: present
  become: yes

Installing Multiple Packages

Use a loop or pass a list to the name parameter (list form is more efficient):
- name: Install common utilities
  package:
    name:
      - git
      - curl
      - vim
      - htop
    state: present
  become: yes

Updating Package Cache (apt)

For apt‑based systems, update the cache before installing:
- name: Update apt cache and install python3
  apt:
    name: python3
    update_cache: yes
    cache_valid_time: 3600

Installing a Specific Version

For apt, use name=package=version; for yum, use name=package-version.
- name: Install specific nginx version
  apt:
    name: nginx=1.18.0-0ubuntu1
    state: present

Removing Packages

Set state: absent to uninstall:
- name: Remove unwanted package
  apt:
    name: telnet
    state: absent

Using Conditionals for OS‑Specific Packages

When packages have different names across OS families:
- name: Install httpd on RedHat, nginx on Debian
  package:
    name: "{{ 'httpd' if ansible_os_family == 'RedHat' else 'nginx' }}"
    state: present


Two Minute Drill
  • Use the package module for cross‑platform installations.
  • Install multiple packages using a list in name.
  • Update cache with update_cache: yes (apt).
  • Remove packages with state: absent.

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