Top 10 Ansible Modules for Jenkins Automation

Automation is a key aspect of modern IT operations, and Ansible has emerged as a powerful tool for orchestrating and managing workflows. In the realm of continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), Jenkins is a widely used automation server. Combining Ansible with Jenkins can streamline and enhance the automation process. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Ansible modules that can be leveraged for Jenkins automation, providing efficiency and scalability to your CI/CD pipelines.

1. jenkins_job Module:

The jenkins_job module is fundamental for Jenkins automation with Ansible. It allows you to create, update, or delete Jenkins jobs effortlessly. Here's a basic example:

- name: Create a Jenkins job
  jenkins_job:
    name: My_First_Job
    config: /path/to/job/config.xml
    state: present

In this example, a Jenkins job named "My_First_Job" is created using the specified configuration file.

2. jenkins_plugin Module:

Managing Jenkins plugins is crucial for maintaining a well-functioning Jenkins environment. The jenkins_plugin module simplifies the installation and removal of plugins:

- name: Install Jenkins plugin
  jenkins_plugin:
    name: plugin-name
    state: present

Replace "plugin-name" with the actual name of the Jenkins plugin you want to install.

3. jenkins_script Module:

For more advanced automation, the jenkins_script module enables the execution of Groovy scripts on the Jenkins server:

- name: Execute Jenkins Groovy script
  jenkins_script:
    script: "println('Hello, Jenkins!')"

This example prints a simple message, but you can execute more complex scripts to customize Jenkins behavior.

4. jenkins_user Module:

User management is essential for securing Jenkins instances. The jenkins_user module facilitates user creation, modification, or deletion:

- name: Create Jenkins user
  jenkins_user:
    name: john_doe
    password: secure_password
    state: present

Ensure to replace "john_doe" and "secure_password" with the desired username and password.

5. jenkins_credentials Module:

Handling credentials securely is vital in CI/CD pipelines. The jenkins_credentials module assists in managing Jenkins credentials:

- name: Create Jenkins credentials
  jenkins_credentials:
    name: my_credentials
    description: "My secret credentials"
    username: jenkins_user
    password: secure_password
    secret: true

This example creates a secret text credential, but the module supports various credential types.

6. jenkins_job_info Module:

The jenkins_job_info module provides a way to gather information about Jenkins jobs. This is valuable for monitoring and reporting:

- name: Get information about Jenkins job
  jenkins_job_info:
    name: My_First_Job
  register: job_info

- debug:
    var: job_info

By registering the job information, you can later use it in your Ansible playbook.

7. jenkins_job_wait Module:

Sometimes, you need to wait for a Jenkins job to complete before proceeding with the next steps. The jenkins_job_wait module allows you to pause the playbook execution until the specified job finishes:

- name: Wait for Jenkins job to complete
  jenkins_job_wait:
    name: My_First_Job
    timeout: 300

Adjust the timeout value according to the expected duration of your Jenkins job.

8. jenkins_script_approval Module:

In situations where Jenkins pipeline scripts require manual approval, the jenkins_script_approval module allows you to automate the approval process:

- name: Approve Jenkins script
  jenkins_script_approval:
    job: My_First_Job
    script: "println('Approval granted!')"

This can be particularly useful for incorporating human approval steps in your CI/CD workflows.

9. jenkins_build Module:

Triggering Jenkins builds programmatically is a common requirement in CI/CD automation. The jenkins_build module makes this task straightforward:

- name: Trigger Jenkins build
  jenkins_build:
    name: My_First_Job

Replace "My_First_Job" with the name of the Jenkins job you want to build.

10. jenkins_view Module:

Organizing Jenkins jobs into views enhances the manageability of your CI/CD environment. The jenkins_view module allows you to create or delete views:

- name: Create Jenkins view
  jenkins_view:
    name: My_View
    state: present
    jobs:
      - My_First_Job
      - Another_Job

This example creates a view named "My_View" and adds the specified jobs to it.

So, Ansible provides a robust set of modules for automating Jenkins tasks, contributing to a more efficient and scalable CI/CD pipeline. By incorporating these modules into your automation playbook, you can enhance the agility and reliability of your Jenkins-based workflows.