Ansible troubleshooting - Error internal-error

Introduction

In the world of automation and configuration management, Ansible shines as a powerful tool that simplifies the management of IT infrastructure. It allows users to define and execute tasks, known as playbooks, that automate various aspects of system administration. However, like any software, Ansible isn't immune to errors.

One particularly challenging category of errors is the so-called "internal-error." These errors can be caused by internal bugs within Ansible or by custom rules set by users. They might leave you scratching your head, wondering what went wrong. This article delves into internal errors, how to handle them, and provides insights into common scenarios.

The Nature of Internal Errors

Internal errors in Ansible can be frustrating to troubleshoot. They are not always straightforward, and they can result from various sources. Here are some key points to understand:

• Internal Bugs: Sometimes, internal errors are a direct result of bugs within Ansible itself. These bugs can manifest in a variety of ways and may not always provide clear, informative error messages.

• Custom Rules: Users can create custom rules to enforce specific coding standards and practices. If these rules are too restrictive or contain errors themselves, they can trigger internal errors.

• Continued Processing: When Ansible encounters an internal error, it doesn't simply halt and terminate the entire execution. Instead, it generates an error message but continues processing other files and tasks. This feature is useful in identifying multiple errors within a single playbook.

• Blocking Effect: Once an internal error is detected in a specific file, Ansible will not execute any other rules on that same file. This helps prevent additional issues from piling up in a problematic file.

• Detailed Information: Ansible's internal-error messages often include additional details about the original error or runtime exception that triggered the internal error. This information can be invaluable for troubleshooting.

Problematic Code

In the provided code examples, we have an Ansible playbook, and we'll break down the problematic code and the correct code, along with an associated error message:

``yaml

`

In this scenario, the internal error occurs because of an invalid Jinja template ({{)within the playbook. It prevents the playbook from loading and executing correctly.

In the problematic code, there is an issue with the Jinja template. The code includes an invalid Jinja template, indicated by {{ # <--, which is not properly closed. Jinja templates in Ansible should always have opening and closing braces, but this template lacks a proper closing brace. As a result, Ansible won't be able to load this invalid template correctly.

``bash

WARNING Listing 1 violation(s) that are fatal

internal