What key feature is used in the definition of an Ansible play?

In the context of Ansible, a play is a mapping between a group of hosts and the tasks to be executed on those hosts. The key feature that defines an Ansible play is the commands or tasks that specify what actions need to be taken on each of the specified hosts. These tasks can include running a command, copying files, installing packages, or any other management action that Ansible can handle.

The structure of a play includes essential components such as the "hosts" directive, which specifies which machines the play applies to, and the "tasks" section, where the actual commands to be executed on the hosts are defined. This clear separation of targets (hosts) and actions (tasks) is fundamental to understanding how Ansible operates, making the tasks the central element of any play definition.

This focus on the tasks allows for greater flexibility and functionality, enabling users to create complex configurations and automation workflows efficiently. Therefore, the essence of an Ansible play is not just about identifying the hosts but specifically revolves around what actions will be executed on those hosts, which aligns with the choice indicating the commands to be executed.