What is automation?

Automation software is software that can be used to automate tasks - such as server configuration/deployment. 
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 Agent-based automation  
 Automation that requires an agent (software package specific to the automation system) that is responsible for performing automation tasks. 
 The typical process for using agent-based automation is to have Linux images saved with the agent pre-installed/configured. 
 
 Typically not as versatile across Linux distros 
 Tends to be more reliable in it's execution 
 Verbose logging 
 
 puppet, chef 
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 Agentless automation  
 Automation that does not require an agent to be installed. Instead, native system functionality is used to complete automation tasks. 
 
 Typically more complex to configure 
 More versatile in its configuration options 
 
 Ansible, Puppet: Bolt