Ansible vs YAML: What are the differences?

Ansible and YAML are both widely used in the field of IT and software development. While they serve different purposes, there are key differences between the two.

1. YAML is a Markup Language, Ansible is an Automation Tool: YAML, short for "YAML Ain't Markup Language," is a human-readable data serialization language used to write configuration files in a structured format. On the other hand, Ansible is an open-source automation tool that uses YAML files as playbooks to define and execute tasks on remote systems.

2. YAML is General-Purpose, Ansible is Specific to IT Automation: YAML is a flexible and general-purpose language that can be used for various purposes beyond IT automation, such as configuration files or data serialization. In contrast, Ansible is specifically designed for IT automation, making it more specialized and focused on tasks related to orchestration, configuration management, and deployment.

3. YAML Focuses on Data Structure, Ansible Focuses on Execution: YAML primarily focuses on organizing and representing data structures in a human-readable format, making it easier for developers and administrators to understand and modify. On the other hand, Ansible focuses on the execution of tasks and defining the sequence in which they should be performed, allowing for automation and reproducibility of processes.

4. YAML is Language-Agnostic, Ansible is Python-Based: YAML can be used with any programming language as it is independent of any specific programming ecosystem. In contrast, Ansible is built on top of Python and utilizes its syntax and libraries, providing additional capabilities for tasks that require more advanced scripting or integration with existing Python code.

5. YAML is Configuration-Oriented, Ansible is Workflow-Oriented: YAML is used primarily for defining configuration settings, such as defining properties of software components or system resources. On the other hand, Ansible focuses on defining workflows and orchestrating the execution of tasks across multiple systems, allowing for more complex and coordinated automation processes.

6. YAML is Static, Ansible is Dynamic: YAML files are static and need to be modified manually each time a change is required. In contrast, Ansible allows for the dynamic execution of tasks based on variables, conditionals, and loops, making it more adaptable and flexible in handling different scenarios.

In Summary, Ansible is an automation tool specifically designed for IT automation, while YAML is a general-purpose language used for data serialization and configuration files. While YAML focuses on data structure and is language-agnostic, Ansible focuses on task execution, is Python-based, and allows for dynamic workflows.