Install VM with virt-builder

[raspbeguy]

Hello,

I open this issue because I wish to implement a way to install VMs with virt-builder (from libguestfs project).

I wish to list here everything we need to think about and the useful information.

• virt-builder can set up some basic settings on the VM OS, like the hostname and the root password. It can also copy a file to the desired location on the VM volume.
• virt-builder downloads (from a libguestfs-maintained repository or a custom one) a template of a given OS (containing partitions) and deploy it on a file (raw or qcow) or on a block device, with ability to automatically expand the partitions to fit the given device.
• Sadly, virt-builder can't yet use qemu storage backends to access target storage, so you have to map it to a block device in order to deploy on it using virt-builder. For instance, for RBD, you have to map it using RADOS kernel module or RBD-NBD implementation.

Do you think this is a good idea?

[markgoddard]

Hi, I'm wondering if there is any overlap between this and what we already have in this role? If not, maybe it would make sense as a separate role?

[markgoddard]

i.e. would a virt-builder implementation just replace the entire role, or would it reuse any existing code?

[raspbeguy]

I think it would be another method of provisionning a VM.

If I understand correctly, there is currently only 2 ways to provision a VM volume: image and backing_image.
We could add a third option builder.

[markgoddard]

I think it sounds like an alternative without too much overlap. I'd suggest making a separate role.

[raspbeguy]

Could you explain a bit? I don't think it will overlap that much.

[markgoddard]

What I mean is that I don't think there will be much overlap. This role is one way to make a VM, and virt-builder is another way. I think adding both options to one role would be confusing.

[raspbeguy]

OK, I see. Thanks for clarifying.