# Runbook — Adding a new Ansible role

## When to create a new role

Create a new role when you need to manage a distinct, reusable unit of
configuration — a service, a system component, or a behaviour applied to
a group of hosts.

Do not create a role for a single task that logically belongs in an existing role.

## Procedure

### 1. Scaffold the role

```bash
make new-role NAME=<rolename>
```

This creates the full directory structure and placeholder files under `roles/<rolename>/`.

### 2. Fill in meta/main.yml

```yaml
galaxy_info:
  role_name: <rolename>
  author: <your name>
  description: <one sentence>
  min_ansible_version: "2.15"
  platforms:
    - name: Debian
      versions:
        - trixie  # Debian 13
```

### 3. Define defaults

Add all tuneable variables to `defaults/main.yml` with inline comments explaining
each variable. Use the `rolename__varname` namespace convention.

### 4. Write tasks

- Use FQCN for all modules
- Every task must have a `name:` that reads as a sentence
- Every task must have at least one `tags:` entry
- Notify handlers by `listen:` topic string, not handler name

### 5. Configure Molecule

Edit `molecule/default/molecule.yml` to use the Debian 13 test image.
Write a `converge.yml` that applies the role. Write a `verify.yml` that
asserts the expected state.

### 6. Write the README

Document:
- Purpose of the role (one paragraph)
- All variables from `defaults/main.yml` with types, defaults, and descriptions
- Example playbook usage
- Any dependencies or prerequisites

### 7. Test locally

```bash
make test ROLE=<rolename>
```

Fix any lint or test failures before committing.

### 8. Add to a playbook

Add the role to the appropriate playbook in `playbooks/` and add the host group
to `inventories/staging/hosts.yml` for integration testing.

### 9. Commit

```bash
git checkout -b role/<rolename>
git add roles/<rolename>
git commit -m "Add <rolename> role"
# merge to main once make test passes, then delete the branch
```