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”ansible-lint error no such option –offline“ | Solution

by | Mar 27, 2025

Learn how to fix the ”ansible-lint error no such option –offline“ error. Our DevOps Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

”ansible-lint error no such option –offline“ | Solution

”ansible-lint error no such option --offline“ | SolutionWhen working with Ansible, you are likely to run into the following error:

ansible-lint: error: no such option –offline

This error occurs when using the `–offline` option with a version of `ansible-lint` that does not support it. According to our experts, this happens due to an outdated version of `ansible-lint` that lacks the `–offline` feature.

Impacts of This Error

  • Without `–offline`, Ansible playbooks cannot be validated in air-gapped environments.
  • Also, the error prevents resolving Ansible Galaxy dependencies, leading to incomplete checks.
  • `ansible-lint` may not function properly, failing to enforce best practices across playbooks, roles, and collections.

Causes and Fixes

1. Outdated Version of `ansible-lint`

The `–offline` option was introduced in later versions of `ansible-lint`. Using an older version results in this error.

Click here for the Solution.

Update `ansible-lint` to the latest version.

If we have internet access, use pip to upgrade ansible-lint:

pip install --upgrade ansible-lint

However, if we are in an offline environment, the best option would be an Air-Gapped Environment:

  1. Download the updated package and dependencies in an internet-enabled environment.
  2. Transfer the package to the offline environment.
  3. Then, install it using:

    pip install ansible-lint-<version>.tar.gz

  4. Optionally, install `ansible-dev-tools` for better dependency management:

    pip3 install ansible-dev-tools

2. Incorrect Command Usage

A typo or incorrect placement of the `–offline` option.

Click here for the Solution.

Verify and correct the command syntax.

  1. Double-check the command for errors.
  2. Then, ensure the option is placed correctly:

    ansible-lint --offline .yml

3. Configuration Issues

Misconfigured paths in `ansible.cfg` or `.ansible-lint` files can prevent `ansible-lint` from locating required roles and collections, especially in offline mode.

Click here for the Solution.

Review and correct paths in configuration files.

  1. First, check `ansible.cfg` for `roles_path` and `collections_paths` settings.
  2. If `.ansible-lint` exists, verify settings to ensure offline mode is correctly enabled.
  3. Then, confirm that paths correctly point to local directories storing roles and collections.

4. Missing Dependencies

The playbook relies on roles or collections that are not available locally. The `–offline` flag prevents automatic downloads.

Click here for the Solution.

Pre-download and install all required roles and collections.

  1. Use `ansible-galaxy` to download required dependencies:

    ansible-galaxy role download -r requirements.yml --roles-path <local_roles_directory>
    ansible-galaxy collection download -r requirements.yml --collections-path <local_collections_directory>

  2. Then. ensure the paths in `ansible-galaxy` commands match those specified in `ansible.cfg`.

5. Environment Variables Not Set

Some setups depend on environment variables to locate roles and collections. If missing, `ansible-lint` may fail.

Click here for the Solution.

Define the necessary environment variables.

  1. Set `ANSIBLE_ROLES_PATH` and `ANSIBLE_COLLECTIONS_PATHS`:
    export ANSIBLE_ROLES_PATH=
    export ANSIBLE_COLLECTIONS_PATHS=

  2. Then, ensure these variables point to the correct locations for roles and collections.

Prevention Strategies

Here are some tips to avoid this error in the future:

  • Stay up-to-date to leverage new features and avoid compatibility issues.
  • Furthermore, maintain consistent installations of `ansible-lint` across systems.
  • Integrate `ansible-lint` into CI/CD pipelines to enforce best practices.
  • Additionally, use `requirements.yml` files to define and install required roles and collections.
  • Utilize virtual environments (`venv`) to prevent conflicts between different versions of tools.
  • Regularly validate Ansible playbooks in offline environments to ensure smooth operation.
  • Configure dummy fallback values to avoid undefined variable issues during linting.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

By implementing these fixes and best practices, we can troubleshoot and prevent the error, resulting in a smooth Ansible workflow.

In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated how to fix the ”ansible-lint error no such option –offline“ error.

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