This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of transform data with filters and plugins. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
[defaults]
filter_plugins = /path/to/custom_filters
```
What is the effect of the `filter_plugins` setting in `ansible.cfg`?
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
[defaults]
filter_plugins = /path/to/custom_filters
```
A
It sets the directory for filter plugins but only for the current playbook.
Why wrong: This is incorrect. The `filter_plugins` setting is global, not limited to the current playbook. Additionally, it adds to the path rather than being per-playbook.
B
It configures the path for lookup plugins, not filter plugins.
Why wrong: This is incorrect. The setting is specifically for filter plugins, not lookup plugins. Lookup plugins have their own setting.
C
It replaces the default search path for filter plugins with the specified directory.
Why wrong: This is incorrect. The setting does not replace the default search path; it adds the specified directory to the existing default paths.
D
It adds the directory to the default search path for filter plugins.
This is correct. The `filter_plugins` setting appends the specified directory to the default search path for filter plugins, expanding the locations Ansible searches for filter plugins.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It adds the directory to the default search path for filter plugins.
The `filter_plugins` setting in `ansible.cfg` adds the specified directory to the default search path for filter plugins, not replacing it. Ansible searches default locations like `~/.ansible/plugins/filter` and the `filter_plugins` directory relative to the playbook, in addition to any directories specified by this setting. Therefore, option D is correct.
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.
✗
It sets the directory for filter plugins but only for the current playbook.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect. The `filter_plugins` setting is global, not limited to the current playbook. Additionally, it adds to the path rather than being per-playbook.
✗
It configures the path for lookup plugins, not filter plugins.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect. The setting is specifically for filter plugins, not lookup plugins. Lookup plugins have their own setting.
✗
It replaces the default search path for filter plugins with the specified directory.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect. The setting does not replace the default search path; it adds the specified directory to the existing default paths.
✓
It adds the directory to the default search path for filter plugins.
Why this is correct
This is correct. The `filter_plugins` setting appends the specified directory to the default search path for filter plugins, expanding the locations Ansible searches for filter plugins.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates often assume `filter_plugins` replaces the default search path (option C), but it actually adds to it. This misunderstanding arises because some Ansible configuration settings override defaults, but `filter_plugins` is additive.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Ansible's plugin loader uses a list of directories to search for plugins, and the `filter_plugins` setting overrides the default list entirely. This is similar to how `library` or `roles_path` work in `ansible.cfg`. A real-world scenario is when you have custom filter plugins in a shared repository and want to ensure only those are used, avoiding conflicts with system-wide or user-specific plugins. The default search path includes `~/.ansible/plugins/filter`, `/usr/share/ansible/plugins/filter`, and the `filter_plugins` directory in the playbook's root.
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 practitioner preparing for the EX294 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Transform data with filters and plugins — This question tests Transform data with filters and plugins — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It adds the directory to the default search path for filter plugins. — The `filter_plugins` setting in `ansible.cfg` adds the specified directory to the default search path for filter plugins, not replacing it. Ansible searches default locations like `~/.ansible/plugins/filter` and the `filter_plugins` directory relative to the playbook, in addition to any directories specified by this setting. Therefore, option D is correct.
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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