Classify nodes without using the console in Puppet Enterprise

Configuring nodes by assigning classes, parameters, and variables to them is called classification. The simplest way to classify nodes in Puppet Enterprise is by using the built-in node classifier. However, there might be reasons that your organization can’t use the console.

Version and installation information

PE version: All supported

Solution

You can classify nodes without using the console by using Hiera or by using a manifest (site.pp file). Both of these methods are supported. You can use an external node classifier (ENC). Our team can help you use supported methods to use an ENC. However, we can’t provide support for your specific third-party ENC software.

Classifying nodes using Hiera

You can classify nodes by creating a list of classes in Hiera, similar to a Hiera key lookup. Then in a manifest, use a combination of automatic lookup of class parameters, the lookup function, and the include function to search the list of class names and include them in the catalog.

• See an example manifest in a blog post from Rob Nelson.

• Learn how to get started with Hiera from our documentation.

Classifying nodes using a manifest (site.pp file)

You can put node definitions in the main manifest, which can be a single site.pp file, or a directory containing many files. If the main manifest contains at least one node definition, it must have one for every node. Compilation for a node fails if a node definition for it cannot be found. Learn more about how to define nodes in your manifests from our documentation.