The plain-English version
A mode that reports intended changes while avoiding the corresponding mutation.
Why it matters
It helps inspect scope before running a batch operation.
Let’s make it click
A renaming script prints old and proposed names, conflicts, and skipped files.
Vibe Bro’s heads-up
Dry-run output is useful only if it shares the same selection and validation logic as the real operation.
The docs behind it
- Ansible — Dry-run check mode and its limitations
- Microsoft Learn — PowerShell ShouldProcess and WhatIf preview behavior
Documentation links checked .
Editorial review · October 28, 2026
Corrected: The Ansible check-mode link returned a 429/bot response in the separate availability audit. Add an accessible primary alternative that explains dry-run preview behavior while retaining the original relevant reference.