feat: improve scenario selection and filtering for large collection trees by cidrblock · Pull Request #4613 · ansible/molecule

cidrblock · 2026-02-23T23:25:24Z

Problem

Collections with hundreds of nested scenarios expose several pain points in Molecule's scenario selection and filtering:

Discovery requires manual config — MOLECULE_COLLECTION_GLOB defaults to */molecule.yml (flat), so nested scenarios aren't discovered unless users manually set MOLECULE_GLOB to a recursive pattern.
-s wildcards don't recurse — -s "camera_*" with a recursive MOLECULE_GLOB produces camera_*/molecule.yml instead of camera_*/**/molecule.yml, missing scenarios nested under matching directories.
-e only matches exact names — there's no way to exclude a group of scenarios by pattern (e.g., -e "appliance_vlans/*"), forcing users to list every scenario name individually.

All three issues stem from the same root cause: Molecule's scenario selection was designed for flat directory layouts and doesn't scale to deeply nested collection trees.

Solution

Three targeted changes, all in src/molecule/command/base.py and src/molecule/constants.py:

1. Recursive default collection glob

Change MOLECULE_COLLECTION_GLOB from extensions/molecule/*/molecule.yml to extensions/molecule/**/molecule.yml. This is a strict superset — ** matches everything * matches plus nested directories — so existing flat layouts are unaffected.

2. Recursive wildcard targeting with `-s`

When -s receives a wildcard pattern (e.g., camera_*) and the base glob uses **, append **/molecule.yml instead of just molecule.yml so scenarios at any nesting depth are discovered.

3. Glob-aware `-e`/`--exclude` filtering

Replace plain not in checks with fnmatch pattern matching via a new _is_excluded() helper, so -e "appliance_vlans/*" or -e "*/merged" exclude entire groups of scenarios.

Changes

src/molecule/constants.py: MOLECULE_COLLECTION_GLOB uses ** instead of *
src/molecule/command/base.py:
- New _is_excluded() helper using fnmatch.fnmatch
- Both exclude filter paths updated to use _is_excluded
- _resolve_scenario_glob appends **/molecule.yml for wildcard + recursive glob combinations
tests/unit/command/test_base.py: 9 parameterized test cases for _is_excluded
tests/unit/test_nested_scenarios.py: Updated assertions for new default glob; 2 new recursive wildcard test cases

Test plan

pytest tests/unit/test_nested_scenarios.py — 31 passed
pytest tests/unit/command/test_base.py::test_is_excluded — 9 passed
tox -e lint — clean

Replace plain string equality checks with fnmatch pattern matching so that -e can accept glob patterns like 'appliance_vlans/*' or '*/merged' in addition to exact scenario names. Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

When -s receives a wildcard pattern like "camera_*" and the base MOLECULE_GLOB uses ** (recursive), append **/molecule.yml instead of just molecule.yml so scenarios at any nesting depth are discovered. Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

Change MOLECULE_COLLECTION_GLOB from */molecule.yml to **/molecule.yml so nested scenarios are discovered automatically without requiring users to manually set MOLECULE_GLOB. Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

for more information, see https://pre-commit.ci

…tection - Use exact-match short-circuit before fnmatchcase to protect scenario names containing literal glob characters - Use wcmatch glob.is_magic with BRACE flag for wildcard detection so brace expansion patterns like {camera,router}_* are recognized Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

Copilot

Pull request overview

Copilot reviewed 5 out of 5 changed files in this pull request and generated 2 comments.

💡 Add Copilot custom instructions for smarter, more guided reviews. Learn how to get started.

src/molecule/command/base.py

tests/unit/test_nested_scenarios.py

This MR contains the following updates: | Package | Change | [Age](https://docs.renovatebot.com/merge-confidence/) | [Confidence](https://docs.renovatebot.com/merge-confidence/) | |---|---|---|---| | [molecule](https://github.com/ansible-community/molecule) ([changelog](https://github.com/ansible-community/molecule/releases)) | `>=25.0.0,<26.0.0` → `>=26.2.0,<26.3.0` | ![age](https://developer.mend.io/api/mc/badges/age/pypi/molecule/26.2.0?slim=true) | ![confidence](https://developer.mend.io/api/mc/badges/confidence/pypi/molecule/25.12.0/26.2.0?slim=true) | --- ### Release Notes <details> <summary>ansible-community/molecule (molecule)</summary> ### [`v26.2.0`](https://github.com/ansible/molecule/releases/tag/v26.2.0) [Compare Source](ansible/molecule@v25.12.0...v26.2.0) #### Features - feat: improve scenario selection and filtering for large collection trees ([#4613](ansible/molecule#4613)) [@cidrblock](https://github.com/cidrblock) - feat: support nested scenario directories in collection mode ([#4611](ansible/molecule#4611)) [@cidrblock](https://github.com/cidrblock) #### Fixes - fix: remove use of click-help-colors ([#4569](ansible/molecule#4569)) [@ssbarnea](https://github.com/ssbarnea) - fix: validate .git directories in find\_vcs\_root() ([#4610](ansible/molecule#4610)) [@skeetmtp](https://github.com/skeetmtp) - fix: handle missing molecule\_yml\_date\_modified key in state ([#4606](ansible/molecule#4606)) [@dmzoneill](https://github.com/dmzoneill) - Add execution flow documentation ([#4589](ansible/molecule#4589)) [@Qalthos](https://github.com/Qalthos) - Modify contact links in issue template config ([#4586](ansible/molecule#4586)) [@alisonlhart](https://github.com/alisonlhart) #### Maintenance - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4612](ansible/molecule#4612)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore: replace pre-commit with prek ([#4614](ansible/molecule#4614)) [@ssbarnea](https://github.com/ssbarnea) - chore: use tox>=4.46.0 during testing ([#4615](ansible/molecule#4615)) [@ssbarnea](https://github.com/ssbarnea) - chore(deps): update pep621 ([#4609](ansible/molecule#4609)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - Bump cryptography from 46.0.4 to 46.0.5 ([#4604](ansible/molecule#4604)) @[dependabot\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/dependabot) - Bump pillow from 12.1.0 to 12.1.1 ([#4605](ansible/molecule#4605)) @[dependabot\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/dependabot) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4608](ansible/molecule#4608)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4603](ansible/molecule#4603)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4599](ansible/molecule#4599)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update dependencies \[security] ([#4601](ansible/molecule#4601)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4598](ansible/molecule#4598)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4595](ansible/molecule#4595)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4594](ansible/molecule#4594)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4593](ansible/molecule#4593)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4592](ansible/molecule#4592)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4591](ansible/molecule#4591)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4590](ansible/molecule#4590)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore(deps): update all dependencies ([#4587](ansible/molecule#4587)) @[renovate\[bot\]](https://github.com/apps/renovate) - chore: adopt pytest>=9.0.0 config ([#4583](ansible/molecule#4583)) [@Qalthos](https://github.com/Qalthos) </details> --- ### Configuration 📅 **Schedule**: Branch creation - At any time (no schedule defined), Automerge - At any time (no schedule defined). 🚦 **Automerge**: Disabled by config. Please merge this manually once you are satisfied. ♻ **Rebasing**: Whenever MR becomes conflicted, or you tick the rebase/retry checkbox. 🔕 **Ignore**: Close this MR and you won't be reminded about this update again. --- - [ ] If you want to rebase/retry this MR, check this box --- This MR has been generated by [Renovate Bot](https://github.com/renovatebot/renovate).  Refs: rmenage/ansible-role-hardened-docker!23 See-also:

cidrblock and others added 2 commits February 23, 2026 15:17

cidrblock requested a review from a team as a code owner February 23, 2026 23:25

github-project-automation bot added this to 🧰 devtools project board Feb 23, 2026

cidrblock temporarily deployed to ack February 23, 2026 23:25 — with GitHub Actions Inactive

github-actions bot added the feat label Feb 23, 2026

cidrblock temporarily deployed to ack February 23, 2026 23:39 — with GitHub Actions Inactive

github-actions bot added feat and removed feat labels Feb 23, 2026

cidrblock changed the title ~~feat: support glob wildcards in -e/--exclude and recursive wildcard targeting with -s~~ feat: improve scenario selection and filtering for large collection trees Feb 23, 2026

chore: add nonrecursive to cspell dictionary

9955de8

Co-authored-by: Cursor <cursoragent@cursor.com>

cidrblock temporarily deployed to ack February 23, 2026 23:42 — with GitHub Actions Inactive

github-actions bot added feat and removed feat labels Feb 23, 2026

[pre-commit.ci] auto fixes from pre-commit.com hooks

22eaf77

for more information, see https://pre-commit.ci

pre-commit-ci bot temporarily deployed to ack February 23, 2026 23:43 Inactive

github-actions bot added feat and removed feat labels Feb 23, 2026

cidrblock requested a review from Copilot February 23, 2026 23:51

Copilot started reviewing on behalf of cidrblock February 23, 2026 23:51 View session

This comment was marked as outdated.

Sign in to view

cidrblock temporarily deployed to ack February 24, 2026 03:10 — with GitHub Actions Inactive

github-actions bot added feat and removed feat labels Feb 24, 2026

cidrblock requested a review from Copilot February 24, 2026 13:26

Copilot AI reviewed Feb 24, 2026

View reviewed changes

src/molecule/command/base.py Show resolved Hide resolved

tests/unit/test_nested_scenarios.py Show resolved Hide resolved

Copilot started reviewing on behalf of cidrblock February 24, 2026 13:36 View session

raksrh approved these changes Feb 24, 2026

View reviewed changes

github-project-automation bot moved this to Review in 🧰 devtools project board Feb 24, 2026

cidrblock merged commit 36a628c into main Feb 24, 2026
27 checks passed

cidrblock deleted the exclude_wild branch February 24, 2026 14:55

github-project-automation bot moved this from Review to Done in 🧰 devtools project board Feb 24, 2026

Provide feedback

Saved searches

Use saved searches to filter your results more quickly

feat: improve scenario selection and filtering for large collection trees#4613

feat: improve scenario selection and filtering for large collection trees#4613
cidrblock merged 6 commits intomainfrom
exclude_wild

cidrblock commented Feb 23, 2026 •

edited

Loading

Uh oh!

This comment was marked as outdated.

Uh oh!

Copilot AI left a comment

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Reviewers

Assignees

Labels

Projects

Milestone

Development

Uh oh!

3 participants

Conversation

cidrblock commented Feb 23, 2026 • edited Loading Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page.

Uh oh!

Problem

Solution

1. Recursive default collection glob

2. Recursive wildcard targeting with -s

3. Glob-aware -e/--exclude filtering

Changes

Test plan

Uh oh!

This comment was marked as outdated.

Uh oh!

Copilot AI left a comment

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Pull request overview

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Reviewers

Assignees

Labels

Projects

Milestone

Development

Uh oh!

3 participants

cidrblock commented Feb 23, 2026 •

edited

Loading

2. Recursive wildcard targeting with `-s`

3. Glob-aware `-e`/`--exclude` filtering