If the exec command receives a refresh event after it has already run, what will happen?

When the exec command receives a refresh event after it has already run, it will only rerun if the idempotent attributes allow it. Idempotent attributes specify whether a resource can be safely run multiple times without changing the final outcome beyond the initial application.

In Puppet, when a refresh event is triggered, it instructs the exec resource to execute its defined command again. However, if the command execution is designed to be idempotent, it will only execute again if the conditions set within that idempotency are met. This means that the underlying state that the exec command is supposed to manage must indicate that action is still necessary. For example, if the resource has changed since the last execution, or if some aspect of the environment has altered in a way that necessitates the command to run again, then it will execute.

This behavior ensures efficient resource management and helps prevent unnecessary executions, adhering to the principle of only making changes when truly needed.