Cdist
cdist is an open source configuration management tool written in Python. It allows system administrators to define the configuration of servers and deploy it to multiple machines in parallel. cdist works by running small scripts called 'manifests' on remote hosts.
configuration-management
automation
python
cdist: Open Source Configuration Management Tool
cdist is an open source configuration management tool written in Python, allowing system administrators to define server configurations and deploy them in parallel to multiple machines.
What is Cdist?
cdist is an open source configuration management and deployment tool written in Python. It takes a different approach from other tools like Ansible, Chef or Puppet in that the configuration logic is written in Python instead of a custom domain-specific language.
Some key features and capabilities of cdist include:
- Configuration defined through small Python scripts called 'manifests' that can combine into larger roles
- Remote execution - manifests are transferred to hosts and run locally for idempotent configuration
- Parallel execution - can configure multiple hosts simultaneously using SSH
- Dependency resolution for manifests to control order of operations
- Can integrate with existing solutions like Ansible or bash scripts
- Built in first class support for creating packages and distributing them
cdist is ideally suited for system administrators or DevOps teams who are proficient with Python and want maximum flexibility from their configuration management tool. The ability to leverage Python for configuration gives enormous power. Since there is a learning curve adopting cdist instead of more turnkey solutions, it tends to be used more by advanced practitioners.
Cdist Features
Features
- Configuration management
- Infrastructure as code
- Agentless architecture
- Parallel execution
- Python-based manifests
- Customizable via plugins
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Lightweight and fast
Easy to get started
Powerful templating capabilities
Good for bootstrapping
Active open source community
Cons
Limited adoption and support
Steep learning curve
Not ideal for large environments
No graphical interface
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