Managing configuration files across servers can be tricky. Ansible's lineinfile module makes it easy to automate these changes while ensuring consistency and safety.

Quick Steps

  1. Define Variables: Create a dictionary with file path and configuration options: 
vars:
     app_cfg_file: /etc/app/app.cfg
     app_cfg:
       max_connections: 200
       timeout: 30
       log_level: "INFO"
  1. Update Configurations: Use lineinfile to modify the file: 
- name: Update config options
     lineinfile:
       path: "{{ app_cfg_file }}"
       regexp: "^{{ item.key }}="
       line: "{{ item.key }}={{ item.value }}"
       backup: yes
       insertbefore: BOF
     loop: "{{ app_cfg | dict2items }}"

Why Use It?

  • Idempotent: Only changes what's necessary.
  • Safe: Backups are timestamped for easy recovery.
  • Efficient: Automates tedious manual edits.

Conclusion

With lineinfile, automating consistent updates across servers becomes a breeze. Give it a try!