06. Modules

ansible modules

Core Idea

Modules are the units of code Ansible sends to remote hosts; this note is a working example collection, opening with the URI module for calling web services from plays.

• The URI module in practice, with runnable YAML.
• Modules are how every task ultimately does its work on the target.

URI Module

- name: "Test it! https://localhost:8443/index.xhtml" 
  delegate_to: localhost 
  become: false 
  uri: url: 'https://localhost:8443/index.xhtml' 
  validate_certs: false 
  return_content: true 
  register: this 
  failed_when: "'Running on ' not in this.content"

This Ansible task uses the uri module to test an HTTPS URL and verify its content. It runs locally (delegate_to: localhost) without privilege escalation (become: false).

• Key Properties:
  • url: The URL to test.
  • validate_certs: Disabled (false) to bypass SSL certificate checks.
  • return_content: Captures the HTTP response content.
• Result Handling:
  • Stores the output in the variable this.
  • Fails the task if the response content does not contain 'Running on '.

Purpose: To verify that a web server or application is running and serving the expected content.