How to check if a file exists in Ansible?

Question

I have to check whether a file exists in /etc/. If the file exists then I have to skip the task. Here is the code I am using:

- name: checking th         


        

Answer 1

This can be achieved with the stat module to skip the task when file exists.

- hosts: servers
  tasks:
  - name: Ansible check file exists.
    stat:
      path: /etc/issue
    register: p
  - debug:
      msg: "File exists..."
    when: p.stat.exists
  - debug:
      msg: "File not found"
    when: p.stat.exists == False