Register a Result, Then Decide
Use registered output in conditions.
Register a Result, Then Decide is a free DevOps Bootcamp lesson on CoddyKit. This is lesson 4 of 4. Any 3 lessons of this learning path are free to read in full — after that, CoddyKit PRO unlocks every lesson, plus hands-on practice with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the DevOps Bootcamp learning path, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app. The DevOps Bootcamp course includes 4 lessons in total.
React to What Happened
Often the next step depends on the last one. The register keyword saves a task's result so later tasks can read it. 📥
Capturing Output
Add register to store the result in a variable of your choosing. Here the command output lands in result.
- name: Check disk
ansible.builtin.command: df -h /
register: resultWhat Is Inside
A registered variable is rich. It holds rc (return code), stdout, stderr, and flags like changed and failed.
Decide on Return Code
Run a follow-up only when the previous command succeeded by checking its rc is zero.
when: result.rc == 0Branch on changed
The changed flag tells you if the task altered the system. Trigger cleanup only when something actually changed.
when: result.changedSearch the Output
The in test scans stdout for text. This runs the next task only if the word active appeared.
when: "active" in result.stdoutLet It Fail, Then Handle
Pair register with ignore_errors so a failing task does not stop the play, letting you inspect and react afterward.
- ansible.builtin.command: /opt/check
register: result
ignore_errors: trueCheck failed Yourself
After ignoring errors, test the failed flag to decide your own recovery path instead of crashing the play.
when: result.failedRegistered in a Loop
If the task uses a loop, the registered variable holds a results list, one entry per iteration, that you can examine.
Debug to Explore
Unsure of the shape? Print the whole variable with debug to see every key before you write your condition.
- ansible.builtin.debug:
var: resultCapture, Then Decide
register turns a one-shot task into useful state. Capture the result, then let when steer what runs next. 🎯
Quick Check
Let us confirm how register and when work together.
Recap
Use register to save a task result, then read rc, changed, stdout or failed in a later when. ✅
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the “Register a Result, Then Decide” lesson free?
Yes — any 3 lessons of the DevOps Bootcamp learning path, including “Register a Result, Then Decide”, are free to read in full here on the web. After that, CoddyKit PRO unlocks every lesson, plus interactive practice with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. The DevOps Bootcamp course includes 4 lessons in total.
What will I learn in “Register a Result, Then Decide”?
Use registered output in conditions. You practise DevOps Bootcamp with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start DevOps Bootcamp?
No prior experience is required. DevOps Bootcamp on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace. This is lesson 4 of 4.
How long does the “Register a Result, Then Decide” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this DevOps Bootcamp lesson?
Yes. Every DevOps Bootcamp lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Run a Task Only when True
- Branch on OS Family Facts
- Combining Conditions with and / or
- Register a Result, Then Decide