Process Documentation for Creating a Custom Execution Environment (EE)

Overview

This document provides a comprehensive guide for creating a custom Execution Environment (EE) using ansible-builder. Follow these steps to streamline your workflow and ensure a successful build.

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Prerequisites

• System Requirements:
  • Python installed.
  • ansible-builder installed.
  • A container runtime such as Docker or Podman.
• Resources:
  • Access to YAML files from the Gist repository.

Ensure all dependencies are installed and configured prior to proceeding.

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Step 1: Install Python 3 (May not be needed)

sudo dnf update -y
sudo dnf install python3

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Step 2: Create a Python Virtual Environment

Set up a Python virtual environment for running Ansible:

Create requirements.txt

Create ~/venv/ansible/requirements.txt with the following content:

autopep8
ansible-core
ansible-builder
ansible-lint
ansible-navigator
flake8
yamllint
pytest
pytest-xdist

Create and Activate the Virtual Environment

Run the following commands:

python3 -m venv ~/venv/ansible
source ~/venv/ansible/bin/activate
python3 -m pip install -r ~/venv/ansible/requirements.txt

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Step 3: Clone the Repository

Clone the GitHub Gist to your local system:

git clone https://gist.github.com/CaptainStealthy/6c54a5ed3ba66e9d7ee87481e4e178c2
cd 6c54a5ed3ba66e9d7ee87481e4e178c2

This repository contains all necessary configuration files.

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Step 4: Create a Working Directory

Create a working directory for your custom EE. If using a Git repository, add the context folder to your .gitignore file.

Add the following files, included in the Gist, to the working directory:

• execution-environment.yml
• requirements.txt
• requirements.yml

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Step 5: Build the Execution Environment

Use the ansible-builder tool to build the EE image:

With Podman

ansible-builder build -f execution-environment.yml -t custom-ee:latest
podman images

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Step 6: Test the Execution Environment

Launch a container from the custom EE image to test its configuration:

podman run -it custom-ee:latest bash

Inside the container, confirm the presence of installed Ansible collections:

ansible-galaxy collection list

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Step 7: Push the Image to a Container Registry

Log in to the Container Registry

Log in to your container registry:

podman login https://<container registry>/  # For Podman

Push the Image

With Podman

podman tag custom-ee:latest <container registry>/custom-ee:latest
podman push <container registry>/custom-ee:latest

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Step 8: Configure in AWX or Automation Controller

1. Navigate to the Execution Environments section.
2. Create a new EE and specify the image URL: <container registry>/custom-ee:latest (or your Docker registry URL).
3. Test the EE by running a job template.

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Cleanup

Remove the local image to free up space:

podman rmi custom-ee:latest  # or docker rmi custom-ee:latest

Delete any temporary build artifacts:

rm -rf context/  # or specific build directories

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Final Notes

This documentation ensures a smooth process for creating, testing, and deploying a custom Execution Environment. Tailor the steps and files to meet your specific needs and environment.