.. -*- mode: rst -*-

.. _development-tips:

Tips for Bcfg2 Development
--------------------------

#. Focus on either the client or server code. This focuses the development process down to the precise pieces of code that matter for the task at hand.

   * If you are developing a client driver, then write up a small configuration specification that includes the needed characteristics.
   * If you are working on the server, run ``bcfg2-info`` and use to assess the code.

#. Use the python interpreter. One of python's most appealing features is interactive use of the interpreter.

   * If you are developing for the client-side, run ``python -i /usr/sbin/bcfg2`` with the appropriate bcfg2 options. This will cause the python interpreter to continue running, leaving all variables intact. This can be used to examine data state in a convenient fashion.
   * If you are developing for the server side, use ``bcfg2-info`` and the "debug" option. This will leave you at a python interpreter prompt, with the server core loaded in the variable "bcore".

#. Use ``pylint`` obsessively. It raises a lot of style-related warnings which can be ignored, but most all of the errors are legitimate.
#. If you are doing anything with Regular Expressions, `Kodos`_ and `re-try`_ are your friends.


.. _Kodos: http://kodos.sourceforge.net
.. _re-try: http://re-try.appspot.com