The answer is that the inventory path is not correctly specified, preventing Ansible from loading the group_vars file. This is because Ansible automatically loads group_vars only from the directory where the inventory file resides, not from arbitrary absolute paths like `/etc/ansible/group_vars/`. When the playbook runs on the control node, it may find the variable due to a local cache or a different inventory context, but on managed nodes, the variable is undefined because the correct group_vars directory is never reached. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your understanding of Ansible’s variable precedence and directory structure—a common trap is assuming group_vars are loaded from a fixed system path. Remember the memory tip: "Inventory path dictates group_vars path."
XK0-005 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A system administrator is using Ansible to deploy a web application across multiple servers. The playbook uses a variable `app_version` defined in a group_vars file for the `webservers` group. The playbook fails with the error: 'ERROR! 'app_version' is undefined'. The administrator confirms that the variable is correctly spelled and defined in `/etc/ansible/group_vars/webservers`. The playbook runs successfully on the Ansible control node but fails on all managed nodes. What is the most likely cause of this error?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The group_vars file is not being loaded because the inventory path is not correctly specified.
The error 'app_version' is undefined despite the variable being correctly defined in `/etc/ansible/group_vars/webservers` indicates that Ansible is not loading that group_vars file. This typically happens when the inventory path specified in the ansible.cfg or command line does not point to the directory containing the group_vars folder. Ansible automatically loads group_vars only from the directory where the inventory file resides, not from a hardcoded path like `/etc/ansible/group_vars/` unless the inventory is also located there.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The variable `app_version` is misspelled in the task.
Why it's wrong here
The administrator confirmed it is correctly spelled.
✓
The group_vars file is not being loaded because the inventory path is not correctly specified.
Why this is correct
Ansible loads group_vars relative to the inventory; incorrect path causes undefined variables.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The playbook uses `loop` keyword incorrectly.
Why it's wrong here
This does not affect variable definition.
✗
The playbook is missing a `vars_files` directive to include the variable file.
Why it's wrong here
group_vars are auto-loaded and do not require vars_files.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume group_vars files are always loaded from a global path like `/etc/ansible/group_vars/`, but Ansible only loads them relative to the inventory location, not from an absolute path unless the inventory itself is in that directory.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ansible's variable precedence dictates that group_vars files are loaded from the directory containing the inventory file (or from the `group_vars` subdirectory within the inventory directory). If the inventory is specified as a file (e.g., `-i /path/to/hosts`), Ansible looks for `group_vars/` in the same directory as that file. If the inventory is a directory, it looks for `group_vars/` inside that directory. A common real-world mistake is placing group_vars in `/etc/ansible/group_vars/` while the inventory is elsewhere, causing the variables to be ignored.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The group_vars file is not being loaded because the inventory path is not correctly specified. — The error 'app_version' is undefined despite the variable being correctly defined in `/etc/ansible/group_vars/webservers` indicates that Ansible is not loading that group_vars file. This typically happens when the inventory path specified in the ansible.cfg or command line does not point to the directory containing the group_vars folder. Ansible automatically loads group_vars only from the directory where the inventory file resides, not from a hardcoded path like `/etc/ansible/group_vars/` unless the inventory is also located there.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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