Linux configuration tools?

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alex.barylski
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Linux configuration tools?

Post by alex.barylski »

I can't remember which program had a tool like this but I believe it was Postfix, which offered a CLI tool to update it's configuration files.

Apache has something similar for enabling it's modules.

I always prefered manually editing the config files...but now I see huge benefit to having CLI tools which update configuration files...

Automatic server setup via shell scripts or recorded commands.

When I first configure a server it would be the cats meow if I could just run a single script which configured a system for me the way I wanted it.

Of course the problem is some config files are not trivial INI files but like Apache have directives which are nested within others almost in an XML fashion.

So my question becomes does anyone know of a project which either:

a. Develops tools for many of the config files to allow editing via CLI
b. Standardize the data store for config files (almost Windows registry like -- maybe LDAP?)

Basically, you know how most linux apps are flexible in what databases they use, etc? Is it possible to move the configuration files into MYSQL, LDAP, etc?

I guess apache wouldn't work well due to the fact that .htaccess sets up the environment on a per directory basis... :? :banghead: :lol:

EDIT | In case it's not clear I am trying to record every step I make when configuring a web server into a single shell script so when I move servers I just have to upload my script, run it and have the system ready for prime time.

Making sure all modules are configured in PHP, Apache, Postfix, etc is time consuming to do and more a PITA to write down so as not to forget.

If you know of any other techniques or tools I would greatly appreciate it. Would this also work for upgrading a system?
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VladSun
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Re: Linux configuration tools?

Post by VladSun »

You may simply copy the contents of /etc files :)
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omniuni
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Re: Linux configuration tools?

Post by omniuni »

For some distros, you have configuration services, like Red Hat's Kickstart which automates most of the installation based on your answers to questions.

Possibly your best option, if you have a distro you usually use, is simply make an image of it once it's set up.

Instead of installing it on a new machine, just restore the image, and you're ready to go.

That said, of course, you can always copy your config files and just paste them back on, and even create a metapackage that installs your software and custom config files. If you're using Ubuntu, I think you can even get your own PPA (private repository) from where you can serve your package.
alex.barylski
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Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2004 5:00 pm
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Re: Linux configuration tools?

Post by alex.barylski »

Eventually I'd like to start my own distro...but for now I'll just record each step manually I suppose and maybe write helper shell scripts to update config files as required.
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