SaltStack: Introduction & Getting Started

SaltStack (Salt) is an open-source automation and configuration management tool designed for fast, scalable, and secure infrastructure automation.

Why Use SaltStack?

• Automate configuration and deployment
• Manage large-scale infrastructure
• Real-time remote execution
• Event-driven automation

How SaltStack Works

• Uses a master/minion architecture (or masterless mode)
• States define desired system configuration in YAML
• Modules perform actions (e.g., install packages, manage services)

Quick Start Example

1. Install Salt (master and minion):

   sudo apt install salt-master salt-minion
   # or use pip for latest version
   pip install salt
   

2. Start the master and minion services:

   sudo systemctl start salt-master
   sudo systemctl start salt-minion
   

3. Accept the minion key on the master:

   sudo salt-key -A
   

4. Write a simple state file (apache.sls):

   install_apache:
     pkg.installed:
       - name: apache2
   

5. Apply the state to the minion:

   sudo salt '<minion-id>' state.apply apache
   

Learn More

• SaltStack Documentation
• Getting Started Guide