Configuration Management

Salt – Python-based open-source configuration management software and remote execution engine

Salt (sometimes called the SaltStack Platform) is a Python-based open-source configuration management software and remote execution engine.

This software offers a different approach to infrastructure management built on a dynamic communication bus. Salt is used for data-driven orchestration, remote execution for any infrastructure, configuration management for any app stack, and much more. It’s easy to setup, understand, and extend.

Salt organizes configs and setups into YAML output files called ‘states’ and centrally-located base configs called ‘pillars’. All these are managed using various modules.

Salt is installed from a package manager, pip, directly from source, or using a bootstrap script. Salt also provides dedicated tools to create machines and install Salt on public and private clouds (salt-cloud and salt-virt).

Features include:

  • Execute commands across thousands of systems in seconds.
  • Built around an event infrastructure that can drive reactive provisioning, configuration, and management across all systems in your infrastructure.
  • Robust and flexible configuration management framework that allows effortless, simultaneous configuration of tens of thousands of systems.
  • Interface to derive information about the underlying system. This is called the grains interface.
  • Pillar is an interface for Salt designed to offer global values that can be distributed to minions.
  • Uses a small subset of YAML that maps over very commonly used data structures, like lists and dictionaries.
  • Salt runners are convenience applications executed with the salt-run command.
  • Foundation API for communication.
  • Uses the ZeroMq messaging library for transport and deployment.
  • Highly modular and easily extensible.
  • Cross-platform software – tested and packaged to run on CentOS, Debian, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, Windows operating systems.

Website: www.saltstack.com
Support: GitHub Code Repository
Developer: SaltStack
License: Apache License 2.0

Salt is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to Configuration Management Tools


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments