What does the -i option signify in the Ansible playbook command?

The -i option in the Ansible playbook command is used to specify the name of the inventory file. The inventory file contains the list of hosts or target machines that Ansible will manage during playbook execution. This file can be in various formats, such as INI or YAML, and it is essential for defining the environment in which the Ansible tasks will be executed. Specifying the correct inventory file ensures that the playbook runs against the appropriate systems, allowing for effective automation and management within the defined infrastructure.

Understanding the role of the -i option helps clarify how Ansible interacts with different systems and enables users to organize their environments effectively.