Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: ansible most simple case not running - "MODULE_ARGS is not defined" error

Fix MODULE_ARGS is not defined error in Ansible with solution and explanation.

Quick Answer: Define MODULE_ARGS in the Ansible configuration file or use the -m option with the command module.

The 'MODULE_ARGS is not defined' error occurs when Ansible is unable to find the required arguments for a module. In this case, the issue arises because Ansible is trying to run a command using the `command` module without specifying any additional arguments.

This error affects users who are new to Ansible and are attempting to use its built-in modules to execute simple commands. It can be frustrating because it prevents users from completing their tasks and may lead to confusion about how to resolve the issue.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that Ansible is not able to find the required arguments for the `command` module. This usually occurs when the user forgets to specify any additional arguments or options for the command, such as the path to the executable file or any environment variables that need to be set.
  • An alternative cause could be a misconfiguration of the Ansible configuration files or an issue with the module itself.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Specify Additional Arguments Using `MODULE_ARGS`

  1. Step 1: To resolve this error, users must specify additional arguments using the `MODULE_ARGS` variable. This can be done by adding a line to the Ansible playbook that sets the `MODULE_ARGS` variable before running the command module.
  2. Step 2: For example, if you want to run the `/bin/echo` command with the argument `hello`, you would add the following line to your playbook: `module_args: {'args': ['hello']}
  3. Step 3: This will pass the additional argument to the `command` module and allow Ansible to execute the command successfully.

Check Ansible Configuration Files

  1. Step 1: If you are still experiencing issues after specifying `MODULE_ARGS`, it may be necessary to check your Ansible configuration files for any errors or misconfigurations.
  2. Step 2: Users should verify that the `ansible.cfg` file is correctly configured and that there are no syntax errors in the playbook files.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the 'MODULE_ARGS is not defined' error, users must specify additional arguments using the `MODULE_ARGS` variable. By following the steps outlined above, users should be able to successfully run their Ansible playbooks and execute commands as desired.

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