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Ansible Sandbox Help

Learn how to use the Ansible Sandbox environment to explore infrastructure automation

Getting Started

1
Select a Playbook

The sandbox offers various Ansible playbooks showcasing different infrastructure automation scenarios. Choose one from the left panel based on your interests.

Each playbook comes with a description and information about its complexity level and typical run time.

2
Explore the Playbook Code

View the Ansible YAML code to understand how the automation works. The code is syntax-highlighted for readability.

Hover over different sections to see what each part of the playbook does.

3
Configure Parameters

Switch to the "Configuration" tab to customize various parameters for your deployment. These might include:

  • Domain names
  • Directory paths
  • Feature toggles
  • VM template selection
  • Resource allocation
4
Deploy the Environment

Click the "Deploy" button to launch the automation process. The system will:

  1. Create necessary virtual machines
  2. Run the selected Ansible playbook
  3. Configure all services
  4. Provide access to the deployed environment
5
Monitor Progress

Watch the deployment process in real-time on the "Output" tab, which shows the Ansible execution log.

Once deployment completes, you'll see a success message with details on how to access the deployed environment.

6
Explore the Environment

After deployment, you can:

  • View the VM status and details in the "VM Status" tab
  • Access deployed applications via provided URLs
  • See resource utilization metrics
  • Monitor the environment's remaining active time
Pro Tip

Sandbox environments automatically shut down after 30 minutes to conserve resources. You'll see a countdown timer showing the remaining time. Make sure to complete your exploration before time runs out!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ansible playbook?
An Ansible playbook is a YAML file that describes a set of tasks to be executed on remote servers. Playbooks define the desired state of systems and can configure applications, deploy software, and orchestrate advanced IT workflows.
Is the sandbox environment isolated?
Yes, each sandbox environment is completely isolated. Your deployments and configurations won't affect other users or any production systems. This provides a safe space to experiment with infrastructure automation.
Can I save or download the playbooks?
Yes, you can copy the playbook code to use in your own environments. Each code segment can be selected and copied to your clipboard. For a more organized approach, visit the Documentation page for downloadable versions of all playbooks.
What happens if I need more time with an environment?
Currently, all sandbox environments are limited to 30 minutes. If you need more time, you can always redeploy the environment after it expires, which will give you a fresh 30-minute window to continue your exploration.
Can I modify the playbooks?
The playbook code displayed is read-only to ensure consistent and reliable deployments. However, you can customize many aspects of the deployment through the Configuration tab, which allows you to adjust key parameters without modifying the underlying code.
What if I encounter an error during deployment?
If an error occurs during deployment, the Output tab will display the specific error message from Ansible. You can use the "Reset" button to clear the environment and try again, potentially with different configuration options.

Key Terms

Playbook - A YAML file defining a series of Ansible tasks and configurations.

Task - An individual action Ansible executes on a managed host, such as installing a package or creating a file.

Role - A reusable, self-contained unit of tasks, variables, files, templates, and modules that can be shared across playbooks.

Inventory - A list of hosts that Ansible will manage, grouped logically for targeted execution.

Handler - A special type of task that only runs when notified by another task that made a change.

Variable - A value that can be set and referenced in playbooks, making them more flexible and reusable.

Template - A text file that uses variables to create dynamic configuration files.