Configuration Management

Question 1

Idempotent Behavior

Answer 1

Operation which can be applied multiple times without changing results beyond initial.
Configuration tools avoid repeating tasks, desired state maintained. Can make infrastructure disposable.

Question 2

Ansible

Answer 2

YAML language.
Infrastructure: Controller applies configurations via ssh.
Special software for nodes?: No
Central Control Point: No. Any computer can.
Script Term: Playbook/Roles
Execution Order: Sequential.

Question 3

Puppet

Answer 3

Language: Custom Ruby-inspired.
Infrastructure: Puppet Master synchs config s on Puppet Nodes.
Special Software for nodes: Yes.
Central Control Point: Yes, Puppet Master.
Script Terminology: Manifests, Modal.
Execution Order: Non-sequential.

Question 4

Chef

Answer 4

Language: Ruby
Infrastructure: Chef Workstation pushes configurations to Chef Server, Chef Nodes updated.
Special Software for nodes: yes.
Central Control Point: Yes, Chef Server.
Scripting Term: Recipes/Cookbook
Execution Order: Sequential.