01•Nov 15•5 min
Using Ansible Vault with Environment Variables
Tired of typing --vault-password-file? Learn how to use the ANSIBLE_VAULT_PASSWORD_FILE environment variable or ansible.cfg to streamline your Ansible workflow.
Automate SQL ServerBuilds & Configurations
Wrestling with manual click-ops, configuration drift, and a patchwork of brittle scripts? I teach enterprise DBAs how to build repeatable, lab-tested automation with Ansible, PowerShell, and AI—safely.
Free, lab-tested SQL Server automation guides by a 20-year production DBA.
Luke Campbell — Production DBA & Educator
“Practical SQL Server automation for DBAs and engineers who value their time.”
20+
Years Experience
68
Free Tutorials
100%
Lab-Tested
Author
automatesql.mssql Ansible Collection
How to Build Production-Grade Automation
Never guess in production. Follow a proven 3-step framework to test every playbook before touching live databases.
01
Spin Up Your 5-Node Sandbox
Deploy a complete, zero-risk virtual lab on your laptop using Vagrant & VMware—Domain Controller, 2 SQL instances, Jumpbox, and Linux control node in minutes.
02
Adapt & Test Playbooks
Write, adapt, and run automated SQL Server builds (install & configuration), patching, and clustering safely inside your local sandbox.
03
Deploy to Production Safely
Promote verified, lab-tested playbooks to QA and production with complete confidence and zero surprises.
bash — sql_ag_patch.yml
Luke@Lab:~$ansible-playbook sql_ag_patch.yml
PLAY RECAP ---> ok=23 changed=9 failed=0 | 14 minutes, 0 errors
Every guide reads like this — with something running in your lab, not just read-about.
The Library
Recent Automation Guides
02•Nov 8•7 min
How to Automate Ansible Vault with a Password File
Typing --ask-vault-pass everytime you need to run a playbook is tiresome. Learn how to use an Ansible vault password file to remove this step and enable true unattended automation. A simple, secure 4-step guide.
03•Nov 1•8 min
What is Inline Vault Encryption? A Guide to Using ansible-vault encrypt_string
Stop encrypting entire YAML files. Learn to use ansible-vault encrypt_string to protect individual passwords while keeping your config readable for collaboration.
“
Always test in your sandbox and lower environments first, not production. Sandboxes build confidence; guessing leads to incidents.
The AutomateSQL Philosophy
Luke Campbell • 20-Year Production DBA