What are Ansible Content Collections and what are their benefits

Ansible Content Collections are the foundation for distributing and scaling your Ansible content across teams. This lesson will teach you more about Ansible Content Collections and their benefits.

In this learning path, you will: 

• Learn about Ansible Content Collections and their benefits.

What are Ansible Content Collections?

Ansible Content Collections is a distribution format that groups different types of Ansible content that performs a similar task into a single, distributable package. This format simplifies and improves sharing automation across teams and the Ansible ecosystem.

Benefits of using Content Collections

There are a number of benefits to using Ansible Content Collections. Let's take a moment to explore them.

Improved content management

Collections are modular, which simplifies the management of related automation by bundling it together as a single entity. 

Streamlined distribution 

A centralized repository, like private automation hub, efficiently distributes Collections across teams, promoting a collaborative approach to automation and reducing duplicate effort across IT domains and use cases.

Versioning

Collections introduce versioning, enabling fine-grained control of automation content. Applying versioning enables smoother upgrades, allowing you to use newer Collection versions without affecting existing deployments.

Dependency management

Collections can specify dependencies, ensuring all necessary components, such as additional Collections, roles, and modules, are present, promoting consistent automation execution.

Enhanced security and trust

Certified Content Collections on automation hub are developed with input from Red Hat and our partners. They are more security-focused, reliable, and enterprise-ready than community content.