Ansible cmdb
Generates static HTML overviews and other formats from Ansible fact gathering output.
What is Ansible cmdb?
Ansible-cmdb is an open-source tool that converts Ansible fact gathering output into a static Configuration Management Database (CMDB). It generates visual overviews and detailed reports in multiple formats like HTML, CSV, and JSON, helping teams document and audit their infrastructure configuration. The tool centralizes host facts, variables, and custom data into accessible reports without requiring a running database.
System administrators, DevOps engineers, and IT operations teams who use Ansible for configuration management and need to visualize or document their server infrastructure.
Developers choose Ansible-cmdb because it provides a simple, agentless way to create a CMDB directly from existing Ansible data, avoiding complex setups. Its support for multiple output formats and custom templates offers flexibility for different use cases, from web-based dashboards to data processing pipelines.
Overview
Generate host overview from ansible fact gathering output
Use Cases
Best For
- Generating visual HTML dashboards of Ansible-managed infrastructure
- Creating CSV exports of host facts for external analysis or reporting
- Documenting server configurations and variables for audit purposes
- Building custom CMDB reports with tailored templates
- Sharing infrastructure overviews with non-technical stakeholders via static HTML
- Integrating Ansible facts into SQL databases for further querying
Not Ideal For
- Infrastructures requiring real-time configuration tracking and automated alerts
- Teams using configuration management systems other than Ansible, such as Puppet or Chef
- Projects needing a live, queryable API for CMDB data integration into other tools
Pros & Cons
Pros
Supports HTML, CSV, JSON, SQL, and more through templates, enabling diverse use cases from visual dashboards to data processing, as listed in the features.
Uses existing Ansible fact gathering output without additional agents or databases, making it straightforward for Ansible users to adopt, as described in the philosophy.
Allows adding custom facts and creating custom templates for tailored reports, highlighted in the features for extending information.
Generates static files without a running database, reducing complexity and resource overhead, aligning with its focus on simplicity.
Cons
Reports are static snapshots and don't update automatically, requiring manual regeneration after each Ansible fact gathering run, which limits real-time use.
Tied specifically to Ansible, so it cannot be used with other configuration management tools, restricting its applicability in mixed environments.
Requires separate Ansible fact gathering runs before generating reports, adding steps to the workflow and potential synchronization issues.
The GPLv3 license may impose restrictions on commercial use and integration in proprietary systems, as noted in the license section.
Frequently Asked Questions
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