Difference Between Saltstack and Ansible
Last Updated :
20 Feb, 2023
Pre-requisite: Ansible
Both Saltstack and Ansible are used for configuration management and IT automation and are open sources. Though, SaltStack is a new tool in the field still it is efficient, easy to use and scalable Let’s see what aspects they differ in.
Saltstack
Saltstack is an open-source software for IT automation. This software is Python-based and does remote task execution and configuration management. It is a simple and modern approach to infrastructure management. Also, it helps in low potency and high-speed communication. Saltstack was developed by Thomas S Hatch in March 2011. It supports most operating systems, including OS X, Microsoft Windows, and UNIX. Features include- flexibility, simplicity, remote setting, and usage of python.
Advantages
- It is very easy to install and use.
- It is best for a resilient workplace as it is highly scalable.
- For troubleshooting problems, online data is available.
- Its customer support is reliable and quite active.
Disadvantages
- It is heavy in weight.
- Web User Interface has limited features and capabilities.
- This platform is quite new and users find it difficult to install the software.
Ansible
Ansible is an open-source software used for the deployment of applications. This software is written in Python, PowerShell, and Ruby and uses a remote power shell to do the tasks. It does not require any software for the work. Ansible was developed by Michael DeHaan in February 2012. It supports Linux, UNIX, MacOS, and Windows. Features include- efficient automation software, easy to understand, reliable, multiple modules, and agentless.
Advantages
- It is simple and easy to use with efficient automation software.
- It does not require any agent software like other automation tools.
- It is quite efficient in managing remote machines. Also, there is no need for custom security infrastructure.
- It uses the existing OS credentials. So, it is decentralized.
Disadvantages
- It is inefficient to work as it has an inadequate User Interface.
- It does not track dependencies as it does not have any notion of the state.
- It does not work well with large enterprises.
Difference between Saltstack and Ansible
|
Saltstack
|
Ansible
|
Weight
|
It is heavyweight. |
It is lightweight. |
Speed
|
The speed is more. |
The speed is less. |
Works with
|
It works with the message data bus. |
It does not work with the message data bus. |
Security
|
Less secure. |
More secure. |
Flexible
|
It is quite flexible. |
It is less flexible than Saltstack. |
Scalable
|
It is scalable for different tasks. |
It is not scalable for different types of tasks. |
Remote Execution
|
Remote execution is easy. |
Remote execution is not possible. |
APIs
|
APIs are used in Saltstack. |
No APIs are used in Ansible. |
Agents
|
For smooth functioning, agents are needed. |
For smooth functioning, agents are not required. |
Compatibility
|
It is not backward compatible. |
It is backward compatible. |
Installation
|
It is easy to install. |
It is hard to install. |
Memory space
|
It takes not have much memory space. |
It takes up lots of memory space. |
Infrastructure
|
Infrastructure is immutable. |
Infrastructure is mutable. |
Platforms
|
AWS, Scaleway, and Stackstorm are supported in Saltstack. |
Docker, Kubernetes, DevOps tools, and Amazon EC2 are supported in Ansible. |
Documentation
|
No good documentation was provided. |
Better documentation. |
Hosting
|
Hosting with Saltstack is integrated with GitHub. |
Hosting with Ansible is integrated with Red Hat. |
Conclusion
Both tools have come a long way since their launch. Though they both have their own pros and cons they offer the best automation tools and services. Now, It is up to the users to decide what suits them better according to their system and requirements.
Like Article
Suggest improvement
Share your thoughts in the comments
Please Login to comment...