Intent
Turn configuration tasks into repeatable scripts that can run safely.
When to use
- You need recurring compliance checks or setup tasks.
- Manual configuration causes inconsistency.
- You want a self-healing baseline.
Core mechanics
- Check current state before changes.
- Apply only missing settings.
- Log every change and result.
Implementation checklist
- Define desired state and prerequisites.
- Implement checks for current state.
- Apply minimal changes with safe defaults.
- Log actions and outcomes.
- Add dry-run support or verbose mode.
Failure modes and mitigations
- Scripts assume wrong state -> add checks and guards.
- Partial updates -> make steps idempotent.
- Permissions issues -> validate required privileges.
Observability and validation
- Step-level status logs and change counts.
- Compliance pass summary.
Artifacts
- Configuration script and README.
- Sample output logs.
- Checklist of enforced settings.