random_choice – return random element from list

Synopsis

  • The ‘random_choice’ feature can be used to pick something at random. While it’s not a load balancer (there are modules for those), it can somewhat be used as a poor man’s load balancer in a MacGyver like situation.
  • At a more basic level, they can be used to add chaos and excitement to otherwise predictable automation environments.

Examples

- name: Magic 8 ball for MUDs
  debug:
    msg: "{{ item }}"
  with_random_choice:
     - "go through the door"
     - "drink from the goblet"
     - "press the red button"
     - "do nothing"

Return Values

Common return values are documented here, the following are the fields unique to this lookup:

Key Returned Description
_raw
-
random item


Status

Authors

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Hint

Configuration entries for each entry type have a low to high priority order. For example, a variable that is lower in the list will override a variable that is higher up.