Internal

Overview

All import_* statements are pre-processed at the time the playbook is parsed. Import is static.

All include_* statements are processed as they are encountered at runtime during the playbook execution. Include is dynamic.

Import should be used when dealing with logical "units". For example, include a separate long list of tasks into subtask files:

main.yml:

- import_tasks: prepare_filesystem.yml
- import_tasks: install_prerequisites.yml
- import_tasks: install_application.yml

Include should be used to deal with different workflows and take decisions based on dynamically gathered facts:

- include_tasks: prerequisites_{{ ansible_os_family | lower }}.yml

or

- include_tasks: some-tasks.yml
  when: something == "something else"