What happens when the exec's onlyif condition fails?

When the onlyif condition of an exec resource fails, the exec command is indeed skipped. The onlyif attribute specifies a command that should return true for the exec to run. If this command does not succeed (i.e., it returns a non-zero exit code), Puppet will not execute the action defined within the exec resource.

This behavior is crucial for managing system states because it allows for conditional execution based on the current state of the system. For example, you might only want to run a command if a specific file does not exist or a service is not running. The onlyif clause provides a way to perform such checks, adding a layer of control to your configurations.

When the onlyif condition fails, there’s no execution of the defined command, thus avoiding unnecessary changes or actions that might be undesirable if the condition is not met. This ensures that Puppet operates efficiently and correctly according to the desired state defined in the manifest. It prevents executing commands that are not needed based on the specified conditions, keeping the system tidy and reducing potential errors.