Manage configurations

Conclusions

Etckeeper is a useful tool for managing configuration changes to the /etc directory. In automated mode, simply install Etckeeper and get started immediately. For more control, you can write changes to the repository manually, but remember that good comments help identify changes later on; automated commits only generate generic change logs.

Etckeeper has far more functions than I have mentioned in this article. For example, you can outsource the repository to a server or GitHub or redirect to other Git repositories. If you want to delve deeper into the subject, read the Etckeeper documentation by Joey Hess [4] or the Etckeeper man page.

Keep in mind that the /etc directory is home to several privileged files that usually require root access. If you export the repository, pay attention to protecting this data.

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Kup

    KDE's Kup tool uses Rsync and techniques from the Git version control environment for sophisticated backup with an easy GUI interface.

  • Git Hooks

    The pre-commit framework lets you automatically manage and maintain your Git hook scripts to deliver better Git commits.

  • Version Control with Git

    The Git version control system is a powerful tool for managing large and small software development projects. We'll show you how to get started.

  • Tree View

    Complex Git projects sometimes require a better view of the dependencies and branches. Several tools offer GUI options for Git. We take a look at gitk, gitg, git-gui, and GitAhead.

  • Workspace: Subversion

    Even if you are not a programmer, you’ve probably heard of Subversion, a powerful tool for managing changes to software projects. Although Subversion is designed primarily for software developers, it can be useful to mere mortals as well.

comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News