Question 1

How do I use DigitalOcean user scripts to install Docker on a new Droplet?

Accepted Answer

Find a Docker script in the library, replace placeholders like `<%DOCKER_VERSION%>` with your values, and paste it as user data during Droplet creation. It will run automatically on first boot to set up Docker.

Question 2

Is it better to use do_user_scripts or write my own provisioning scripts?

Accepted Answer

For common setups, do_user_scripts saves time with tested templates, especially for learning cloud-config. For highly custom or complex needs, writing your own scripts offers more control but requires more effort.

Question 3

Can I run these scripts on AWS or Google Cloud?

Accepted Answer

No, they are tailored for DigitalOcean's cloud-init and metadata service. Adapting them for other providers would require significant modifications to match different infrastructures.

Question 4

What's the difference between cloud-config and shell scripts in this library?

Accepted Answer

Cloud-config is declarative and preferred for readability, while shell scripts offer flexibility for complex tasks. The project encourages cloud-config for simplicity, but both formats are included.

Question 5

How do I customize a script for my specific server setup?

Accepted Answer

Edit the script variables using the standardized `<%DESCRIPTIVE_NAME%>` placeholders, and ensure any dependencies are listed in the README. Test it in a staging Droplet first.

Question 6

Are there scripts for setting up databases like PostgreSQL or MySQL?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the library includes scripts for common databases—check the directories for specific ones, and refer to the README files for configuration details and requirements.

User Scripts

What is User Scripts?

Overview

Key Features

Philosophy

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Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions