- A
path
Why wrong: `path` is not a filter; it is a parameter used in modules like `stat` or `copy`.
- B
exists
Why wrong: `exists` is not a standard Ansible filter; it is an attribute of the `stat` module result.
- C
is_dir
Why wrong: `is_dir` is not a standard filter; the correct test for a directory is `is_dir`? Actually, Jinja2 has `is dir` test, but the option is misspelled.
- D
file
Correct. The `file` test (e.g., `if mypath is file`) checks if the given path is a file, suitable for this task.
Question 167 of 528
Ansible exists Filter for File Existence Check
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.
A junior admin is tasked with creating a playbook that sets a variable 'app_status' to 'starting' if a service file exists, otherwise sets it to 'stopped'. Which filter should be used to test if a file exists from Ansible facts?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
file
Option D is correct because the `file` test in Jinja2 checks whether a path exists as a file, returning a boolean. It can be used directly in `when` conditions like `when: mypath is file`. Option B is incorrect because there is no built-in `exists` filter in Ansible; the `exists` attribute comes from the `stat` module result, not a filter. The junior admin should use the `file` test or the `stat` module with its `exists` attribute.
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.
- ✗
path
Why it's wrong here
`path` is not a filter; it is a parameter used in modules like `stat` or `copy`.
- ✗
exists
Why it's wrong here
`exists` is not a standard Ansible filter; it is an attribute of the `stat` module result.
- ✗
is_dir
Why it's wrong here
`is_dir` is not a standard filter; the correct test for a directory is `is_dir`? Actually, Jinja2 has `is dir` test, but the option is misspelled.
- ✓
file
Why this is correct
Correct. The `file` test (e.g., `if mypath is file`) checks if the given path is a file, suitable for this task.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may mistakenly think 'exists' is a filter since the `stat` module returns an `exists` attribute, but it is not a filter. The correct Jinja2 test is `file` (or `is file`).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the `exists` filter leverages the `os.path.exists()` function from Python's standard library when Ansible executes Jinja2 templating on the controller or target. In a real-world scenario, you might combine `stat` to register a result and then use `result.stat.exists` to set `app_status`, but the `exists` filter directly on a path string is a concise alternative. Note that the `exists` filter works on the control node unless used with `delegate_to: localhost`, so for remote file checks, you must first gather facts or use the `stat` module.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX294 question test?
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: file — Option D is correct because the `file` test in Jinja2 checks whether a path exists as a file, returning a boolean. It can be used directly in `when` conditions like `when: mypath is file`. Option B is incorrect because there is no built-in `exists` filter in Ansible; the `exists` attribute comes from the `stat` module result, not a filter. The junior admin should use the `file` test or the `stat` module with its `exists` attribute.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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