UnixReview.com: XML and Configuration Files

“Last month, I wrote about the wonders of XML and how they could
benefit the systems administrator. That’s kind of a broad subject,
and I’m sure better minds than mine could probably think of some
exceptional ways to implement interesting time-savers and solutions
that I haven’t thought of yet.”

“This month, I’ll look at using XML for configuration files. You
know, those pesky files lying about in /etc or other spots that are
each in their own little formats. While these files serve a
purpose, it’s very difficult to write any type of centralized
administration tool that has to work with multiple files. Most of
us using Linux or other Unices eschew configuration wizards and GUI
tools for system administration; however, easier configuration
tools are needed to help bring Linux to new levels. Of course that
doesn’t mean we have to use them, it just means they need to be
available.”

“I’m going to look at a sample XML Schema for Linux
configuration files. Last month, I mentioned using an XML Document
Type Definition (DTD) for this task, but in the interim I’ve been
looking over the XML Schema Recommendation and have decided that
Schema might be the better way to go.“

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