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Ansible in a Minute · Ansible Core ·

Use variables in handler parameters

Short answer

Put the service name in the handler module arguments. Do not put a variable in the handler name.

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notify Restart web service and use web_service_name | default httpd

Example

A quick heads-up: Every environment is different. Review and test this example before you run it on systems you care about.

YAML
---
- name: Teach using variables with handlers
  hosts: all
  gather_facts: true
  become: true
  tasks:
    - name: Include distribution facts
      ansible.builtin.include_vars:
        file: "{{ ansible_facts.distribution }}.yml"

    - name: Template config file
      ansible.builtin.template:
        src: config.j2
        dest: /etc/web_service/config.conf
        mode: "0644"
      notify: Restart web service

  handlers:
    - name: Restart web service
      ansible.builtin.service:
        name: "{{ web_service_name | default('httpd') }}"
        state: restarted

How it works

Handler names are templated early. A missing variable in the name fails the play. Keep the name static. Put web_service_name on the service module.

When to use it

  • Restarting a service whose package name differs by distribution
  • Loading per-OS vars before a notify

Requirements

  • Ansible: >=2.14

Validation

  • Syntax validated
  • Not execution-tested
  • Last verified 2026-09-18

Notes

Do not write name: Restart "{{ web_service_name }}". Changing the variable mid-play does not create a new handler. listen topics cannot be templated.

Reference

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Use variables in handler parameters · Level Up Labs