wiki:how-to/puppet/freepuppet-helper

Version 3 (modified by Ross, 12 years ago) (diff)

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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?

You can search for server information to find specifics about the server using the ld command.

Show manifest details for a specific server.

0 Thu Nov 10 ross:~/testing/puppet/confdir/helper$ freepuppet-helper ld:debord

debord

 | node | => debord.mayfirst.org

 | m_backupninja::server::configure_node | => debord

 | $mfpl_location | => telehouse

 | $mfpl_purpose | => saharareporters web server

 | monkeysphere::publish_server_keys | => debord

 | $mfpl_namesake | => https://wikimedia.org/en/wiki/Guy_Debord

 | $mfpl_backup_rsync_target | => ali.mayfirst.org

 | hostgroups |  =>  | telehouse-servers | ssh-servers

 | m_nagios_host | => debord

 | parents |  =>  | avensys-gateway | bolivar | telehouse-gateway

 | address | => 209.51.180.236

 | include |  =>  | m_sshd::default | m_minimal | m_addroutes | m_esmtp | m_backupninja::mysql

 | gpg::publish_user_key | => root

 | $mfpl_backup_rdiff_target | => robideau.mayfirst.org


0 Thu Nov 10 ross:~/testing/puppet/confdir/helper$ 

Or you can search for a particular component in the manifest by adding search terms.

0 Thu Nov 10 ross:~/testing/puppet/confdir/helper$ freepuppet-helper ld:debord backup

debord

 | m_backupninja::server::configure_node |  => debord

 | $mfpl_backup_rdiff_target |  => robideau.mayfirst.org

 | $mfpl_backup_rsync_target |  => ali.mayfirst.org


0 Thu Nov 10 ross:~/testing/puppet/confdir/helper$ 

ld is a subcommand of freepuppet-helper.

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.

How can I do system upgrades?

You can follow these instructions for system upgrades.