EX294 Transform data with filters and plugins Practice Question
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.
```yaml
- name: Example playbook
hosts: all
tasks:
- name: Set version fact
set_fact:
os_version: "{{ ansible_facts['ansible_distribution_version'] }}"
- name: Check if version filter works
debug:
msg: "{{ '7.9' is version('7.8', '>=') }}"
```
Refer to the exhibit. Assuming the managed node is RHEL 7.9, what is the output of the debug task?
Refer to the exhibit.
```yaml
- name: Example playbook
hosts: all
tasks:
- name: Set version fact
set_fact:
os_version: "{{ ansible_facts['ansible_distribution_version'] }}"
- name: Check if version filter works
debug:
msg: "{{ '7.9' is version('7.8', '>=') }}"
```
A
7.9
Why wrong: The debug message shows the result of the test, not the version number.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
True
The debug task uses the `debug` module with `msg: "{{ ansible_distribution_version is version('7.9', '>=') }}"`. The `version` filter compares the string `'7.9'` (from `ansible_distribution_version`) against the string `'7.9'` using the `>=` operator. Since the managed node is RHEL 7.9, the comparison evaluates to `True`, so the debug module outputs `True`.
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.
✗
7.9
Why it's wrong here
The debug message shows the result of the test, not the version number.
✗
An error
Why it's wrong here
Syntax is correct, no error.
✗
False
Why it's wrong here
7.9 is indeed >= 7.8.
✓
True
Why this is correct
7.9 is greater than or equal to 7.8.
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 here is that candidates may mistakenly think the `version` filter returns the version string itself (like `ansible_distribution_version`) or that a comparison of equal versions returns `False`, rather than understanding it performs a boolean comparison and outputs `True` when the condition is met.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The debug message shows the result of the test, not the version number.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `version` filter in Ansible uses Python's `distutils.version.LooseVersion` (or `StrictVersion` with `strict=True`) to compare version strings semantically, not lexicographically. This means `'7.9' >= '7.9'` evaluates to `True` because the versions are equal. In real-world scenarios, this filter is critical for conditional tasks, such as applying different configurations based on whether the OS version meets a minimum requirement, avoiding errors from simple string comparison (e.g., `'7.10' > '7.9'` would be false lexicographically but true semantically).
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: True — The debug task uses the `debug` module with `msg: "{{ ansible_distribution_version is version('7.9', '>=') }}"`. The `version` filter compares the string `'7.9'` (from `ansible_distribution_version`) against the string `'7.9'` using the `>=` operator. Since the managed node is RHEL 7.9, the comparison evaluates to `True`, so the debug module outputs `True`.
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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