Ansible: How to copy file from `files` directory to `templates` directory in a role directory?

Question

I want to write an Ansible task to copy file from files directory to templates directory.

For example, I have an Ansible role named data and inside this role's directory

~/data$ tree
.
├── defaults
├── tasks
├── templates
└── files
    └── application.j2

So I have a file inside the files directory named application.j2

I want to copy this file application.j2 into the templates directory using an Ansible task.

I've tried to use the below task in the src: path I use files/application.j2 but I don't know what I should write in dest: path.

- name: Transfer File.
   copy:
    src: "{{ item }}"
    dest: 
  with_fileglob:
    - "files/application.j2"

Ansible: How to copy file from files directory to templates directory in a role directory?

Answer 1

Let's assume one like to

• Copy files with patterns between different folders
• Let the task run on the Ansible Control Node only

A minimal example playbook

---
- hosts: localhost 
  become: false
  gather_facts: false

  tasks:

  - name: Copy each file that matches the given pattern
    copy:
      src: "{{ item }}"
      dest: "templates/{{ item.split('.') | first | basename }}.j2"
    with_fileglob:
      - "files/app*.j2"

will result into the requested output.

Similar Q&A

For a more detailed explanation see the answer under

• Looping in Ansible templates directory
• Ansible: Copy files with wildcard?