Skip or fail in check mode with missing dependencies?

When running in check mode, should a module report skipped or failed if it has dependencies which cannot be satisfied?

For example, the apt_repository module requires python-apt, which it will automatically install, except in check mode.

Reporting failed allows the module to explain why it can’t function. Skipped seems more appropriate, but there doesn’t appear to be a way to provide a skipped reason.

Issue: https://github.com/ansible/ansible/issues/13520
PR: https://github.com/ansible/ansible-modules-core/pull/2925

  • Matt Clay