Glossary
Docker
Docker is a set of platform as a service (PaaS) products that use OS-level virtualization to deliver software in packages called containers.
The service has both free and premium tiers.
The software that hosts the containers is called Docker Engine.
Docker is a tool that is used to automate the deployment of applications in lightweight containers so that applications can work efficiently in different environments in isolation.
Event
A mechanism for exchanging information between system components in real time.
The event system is built on the local ZeroMQ interface.
Events are usually triggered by requests to perform actions on a minion or master and the results of these actions.
Execution Module
A Python module that allows you to execute specific commands and actions on managed nodes (minions).
Execution modules are the primary tool for interactively managing systems.
Grain
A key-value pair which contains a fact about a system, such as its hostname, network addresses.
Job
A mechanism for performing remote operations or applying configuration files to managed nodes. Tasks are designed to automate system operations that need to be performed repeatedly.
A job can be directed to run simultaneously on a group of servers (workstations) using targeting. Job typically involves one or more execution modules or state modules.
KeyCloak
Keycloak is an open-source software product to allow single sign-on with identity and access management aimed at modern applications and services.
Keycloak supports various protocols such as OpenID, OAuth version 2.0 and SAML and provides features such as user management, two-factor authentication, permissions and roles management, creating token services, etc.
Master
The central component of the SaltStack system, which acts as a management server and a repository of configuration data.
Minion
An agent that is installed on a managed node and provides interaction with Salt Master for automation and configuration management.
It provides execution of commands sent by the master, collection of information from the controlled node and management of its software configuration.
Also Minion is the managed node itself with a running salt-minion component.
Multi-Master
A configuration that allows minions to connect to multiple master servers simultaneously. This provides fault tolerance and increases the reliability of the management system.
A multi-master configuration is especially useful in production environments where high availability and fault tolerance are required.
Pillar
A simple key-value store for user-defined data to be made available to a minion.
Pillars are often used to store and distribute sensitive data to minions.
Salt.Box
Salt.Box is a tool that extends the software configuration management system with a convenient and fast user interface.
SaltStack
SaltStack is a tool for automating configuration management and remote command execution.
SaltStack is a tool that can automate common infrastructure administration tasks and ensure that all infrastructure components are operating in a consistent desired state.
State Module
A Python module that is called from a state file (SLS file).
State modules allow the desired configuration of a managed node (minion) to be described in the form of declarative formulas.
Syndic
A component that acts as a relay between master servers and managed nodes (minions).
Using syndics allows for hierarchical management in the SaltStack environment.
Target
Minion(s) to which a given SaltStack command or state will apply.
Targeting
A mechanism for specifying target nodes (minions) on which commands will be executed or states applied by matching a target description string against host names, system information, groups, or combinations of parameters.
Using targeting allows for selective application of changes and minimizes the risk of accidental operations on inappropriate nodes.
Task
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Task Template
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