cloud-init (EN)

Definition

cloud-init is a standard for initializing cloud instances and virtual machines during first boot. It enables automatic configuration of the guest system through tasks such as setting hostnames, creating users, injecting SSH keys, and configuring networks. cloud-init supports various cloud platforms and can also be used in locally operated VMs to ensure consistent initialization.

Architecture

flowchart TD   A[Cloud-Init] --> B[Datenquellen]   A --> C[Module]   A --> D[Output-Handler]      B --> B1[Meta-Daten]   B --> B2[User-Daten]   B --> B3[Vendor-Daten]      C --> C1[Hostname]   C --> C2[Benutzer]   C --> C3[SSH-Schlüssel]   C --> C4[Netzwerk]   C --> C5[Pakete]   C --> C6[Services]      D --> D1[Shell-Skripte]   D --> D2[Cloud-Init-Logs]      A --> E[Gastsystem] 

Im Kontext

• Typically used together with cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, GCP and OpenStack
• Related to: Cloud Computing, Virtualization, Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• Example use case: Automatic configuration of new web servers in the cloud with predefined users and SSH access