How to Copy File from Ansible Server to Remote Host?

Greetings, Dev! Do you find it challenging to copy a file from your Ansible server to a remote host? Worry not as this article will guide you step-by-step on how to copy a file from Ansible server to a remote host. Ansible is a powerful open-source tool that simplifies application deployment, configuration management, and IT automation. The tool allows you to automate repetitive tasks, which saves time and minimizes errors. Let’s dive into the steps on how to copy a file from Ansible server to a remote host.

Step 1: Create a File on the Ansible Server

The first step is to create a file on the Ansible server. The file can be a configuration file, playbook, or any other file you want to copy to the remote host. To create a file, use the following command:

Replace “filename” with the name of the file you want to create. Once you have created the file, save and exit the editor.

Step 2: Copy the File to the Remote Host using Ansible

The next step is to copy the file from the Ansible server to the remote host. Ansible provides several modules that allow you to copy files from the Ansible server to the remote host. The most commonly used module for copying files is the “copy” module. To copy a file using the copy module, use the following command:

Replace <remote_host> with the name of the remote host, <source_file_path> with the path of the file on the Ansible server, and <destination_path> with the path where you want to copy the file on the remote host. Once you have entered the command, hit enter, and the file will be copied to the remote host.

Step 3: Verify the File on the Remote Host

The final step is to verify that the file has been successfully copied to the remote host. To verify, log in to the remote host and check the file. You can also use the following command to verify the file:

Replace <destination_path> with the path where you copied the file on the remote host. If the file is listed in the directory, then congratulations! You have successfully copied a file from the Ansible server to a remote host.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is Ansible?

Ansible is a powerful open-source tool that simplifies application deployment, configuration management, and IT automation. The tool allows you to automate repetitive tasks, which saves time and minimizes errors.

Q2. What is the copy module in Ansible?

The copy module in Ansible is used to copy files from the Ansible server to the remote host. It is one of the most commonly used modules in Ansible.

Q3. How do I create a file on the Ansible server?

To create a file on the Ansible server, use the following command: vi filename. Replace “filename” with the name of the file you want to create.

Q4. How do I copy a file from the Ansible server to a remote host?

To copy a file from the Ansible server to a remote host, use the following command: ansible <remote_host> -m copy -a “src=<source_file_path> dest=<destination_path>”. Replace <remote_host> with the name of the remote host, <source_file_path> with the path of the file on the Ansible server, and <destination_path> with the path where you want to copy the file on the remote host.

Q5. How do I verify that the file has been copied to the remote host?

To verify that the file has been copied to the remote host, log in to the remote host and check the file. You can also use the following command to verify the file: ls <destination_path>. Replace <destination_path> with the path where you copied the file on the remote host.