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.
An Ansible task uses the variable `{{ my_var | default(required=true) }}`. What happens if `my_var` is undefined?
The task fails with an error message
The `required` parameter forces an error when the variable is undefined.
The task skips the host
Why wrong: Skipping is not the default behavior; it would raise an error.
The task uses an empty string
Why wrong: Without `required`, it would default to empty string, but `required` makes it fail.
The task uses the string 'required'
Why wrong: No, 'required' is a parameter, not a value.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The task fails with an error message
The `default(required=true)` filter in Ansible explicitly marks the variable as required. If `my_var` is undefined, the filter raises an error because it enforces that the variable must be provided, causing the task to fail with an error message. This is a deliberate mechanism to catch missing mandatory variables early in playbook execution.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The task fails with an error message
Why this is correct
The `required` parameter forces an error when the variable is undefined.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The task skips the host
Why it's wrong here
Skipping is not the default behavior; it would raise an error.
The task uses an empty string
Why it's wrong here
Without `required`, it would default to empty string, but `required` makes it fail.
The task uses the string 'required'
Why it's wrong here
No, 'required' is a parameter, not a value.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `default(required=true)` with setting a default value, thinking it will use the string 'required' or an empty string, when in fact it enforces mandatory variable definition and causes a failure.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the `default` filter with `required=true` leverages Jinja2's `mandatory` function, which raises a `TemplateAssertionError` if the variable is undefined. This is particularly useful in production playbooks where missing variables could lead to silent failures or security issues, such as when a vault-encrypted password is not provided. The error is raised during variable evaluation, before the task's module executes, ensuring immediate feedback.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Transform data with filters and plugins — This question tests Transform data with filters and plugins — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The task fails with an error message — The `default(required=true)` filter in Ansible explicitly marks the variable as required. If `my_var` is undefined, the filter raises an error because it enforces that the variable must be provided, causing the task to fail with an error message. This is a deliberate mechanism to catch missing mandatory variables early in playbook execution.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This EX294 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Red Hat certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the EX294 exam.
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