Refactor: Convert build_dependencies Role to Use Molecule for Testing

[kayiwa]

This issue aims to improve the reliability and maintainability of the build_dependencies role by integrating Molecule for testing. Molecule provides a framework for creating and running automated tests for Ansible roles, ensuring they function as expected and remain compatible across different environments.

Tasks:

1. Install Molecule:

   • If not already installed, install Molecule on the development machine: pip install molecule

2. Initialize Molecule in the Role:

   • Navigate to the role directory: cd roles/build_dependencies]
   • Initialize Molecule: molecule init
   • Choose the ansible verifier based on the role's requirements.

3. Create molecule.yml:

   • Configure the testing environment in molecule.yml. This includes:
     • Selecting a base image.
     • Specifying provisioner options (Ansible version, inventory).
     • Configuring verifiers (test frameworks like Ansible, Testinfra).

4. Write Tests:

   • Create tests in the verify.yml file (or using other testing frameworks) to validate the role's functionality.
   • Use assertions to check if resources are correctly configured, files exist, services are running, and commands produce the expected output.

5. Run Molecule Tests:

   • Execute molecule test to run the tests.
   • Analyze the test results and fix any failures or errors in the role.

6. Integrate with CI/CD:

   • If applicable, integrate Molecule tests into the CI/CD pipeline to ensure that changes to the role do not break existing functionality.

Example molecule.yml (Docker):

---
dependency:
  name: galaxy
driver:
  name: docker
platforms:
  - name: instance
    image: ubuntu:latest
provisioner:
  name: ansible
  playbooks:
    converge: ../playbook.yml
verifier:
  name: ansible

Benefits:

Improved Reliability: Catch errors and regressions early through automated testing.
Increased Maintainability: Ensure the role remains functional across different environments and Ansible versions.
Simplified Development: Develop and test the role in an isolated environment.
Enhanced Documentation: Molecule tests serve as executable documentation of the role's intended behavior.

Additional Notes:

• Choose the right driver: Select the Molecule driver (Docker, Vagrant, Podman, etc.) that best suits the role's requirements and testing environment.
• Write comprehensive tests: Cover different aspects of the role's functionality with a variety of test cases.
• Idempotency: Ensure that the role is idempotent, meaning it can be run multiple times without causing unintended changes.
• Integration with CI/CD: Incorporate Molecule tests into your CI/CD pipeline to automate testing and prevent regressions.
• Documentation: Update the role's README file with instructions on how to run the Molecule tests.