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This dotfiles repository uses a data-driven Ansible architecture to automate system configuration. Instead of creating a new role for every application, software is managed through centralized lists in ansible/group_vars/all.yml.

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Architecture Philosophy

The key principle is scalability through data, not code. Rather than creating dozens of specialized roles, this setup uses:
  • Centralized package lists in group_vars/all.yml
  • Universal common role that handles most installations
  • Specialized roles only for complex configurations (like GNOME settings)
Do NOT create a new Ansible role for every new application. Use the centrally managed lists instead.

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Playbook Structure

The main playbook is ansible/site.yml: 
---
- name: Configure System
  hosts: local
  connection: local
  become: true
  roles:
    - role: common
      tags: [common]
    - role: gnome
      tags: [gnome]

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Available Roles

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Common Role

Handles all standard package installations:
  • External APT repositories (Chrome, VSCode, Hashicorp, etc.)
  • APT package installation
  • Snap package installation
  • Passwordless sudo configuration

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GNOME Role

Configures GNOME desktop environment:
  • Dark mode preference
  • Clock settings (show date, hide seconds)
  • Power management (disable sleep on AC)

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When to Create a New Role

Only create dedicated roles for software that requires:
  • Complex configuration files
  • Multi-step templating
  • Different package managers (beyond standard APT/Snap)
  • Extensive customization that cannot be handled by simple package installation
For most software, simply add it to the package lists in group_vars/all.yml.

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Running the Playbook

# Run the entire playbook
ansible-playbook ansible/site.yml

# Run only the common role
ansible-playbook ansible/site.yml --tags common

# Run only the GNOME role
ansible-playbook ansible/site.yml --tags gnome

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Idempotence

All Ansible tasks are designed to be idempotent. You can run the playbook multiple times safely - it will only make changes when necessary.

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