freepuppet-helper

freepuppet-helper is a python script for executing commands either locally or on a series of remote hosts.

Our puppet repo contains a helper directory with freepuppet-helper.py and freepuppet-helper.

Why do we need a python script if we have puppet?

Puppet allows us to easily ensure that a set of commands and files are executed and copied to our servers (and will execute/copy the commands/files over and over again if necessary).

The freepuppet-helper script allows us to execute/copy a command/file to one or more servers once and witness the output. Also, it allows us to perform operations locally, like list available servers or automate setting up a git remote for each server's puppet repository.

How do I install it?

It's already there with the git repo. For convenience, you should take a couple extra steps:

• Add a symlink to your freepuppet-helper in your ~/bin directory (or another directory in your $PATH)
• Add this line to your ~/.bashrc file, changing the path to the appropriate value:

  export FREEPUPPET_REPO_PATH=/home/jamie/projects/mfpl/puppet/confdir
  

How do I use it?

Run freepuppet-helper followed by one or more sub-commands.

For example:

freepuppet-helper ls

Will generate a list of servers located in our manifests/nodes/production directory.

You can limit the list by adding a colon separted argument to the command, by either specifying a specific server:

0 jamie@chicken:~$ freepuppet-helper ls:mandela
mandela
0 jamie@chicken:~$

Or, by specifying a phrase to grep all server manifests for:

0 jamie@chicken:~$ freepuppet-helper ls:mosh
albizu
chavez
daza
debs
didier
dorothy
eagle
ella
galeano
jones
julia
june
lucius
lucy
lumumba
malcolm
mandela
menchu
proudhon
rodolpho
roe
sojourner
viewsic
0 jamie@chicken:~$

ls is a local command, meaning it is executed on your computer.

What other commands are available?

Run:

fab -l

To see a list of all available commands (and their aliases)

How can I add new commands?

Simply edit the freepuppet-helper.py script and commit and push your changes.