Using defined types

In the previous example, we saw how to reduce redundant code by grouping identical resources into arrays. However, this technique is limited to resources where all the parameters are the same. When you have a set of resources that have some parameters in common, you need to use a defined type to group them together.

How to do it...

The following steps will show you how to create a definition:

1. Create the following manifest:

define tmpfile() {
  file { "/tmp/${name}":
    content => "Hello, world\n",
  } 
}
tmpfile { ['a', 'b', 'c']: }

2. Run puppet apply:

t@mylaptop ~ $ puppet apply tmpfile.pp
Notice: Compiled catalog for mylaptop.example.com in environment production in 0.02 seconds
Notice: /Stage[main]/Main/Tmpfile[a]/File[/tmp/a]/ensure: defined content as '{md5}a7966bf58e23583c9a5a4059383ff850'
Notice: /Stage[main]/Main/Tmpfile[b]/File[/tmp/b]/ensure: defined content as '{md5}a7966bf58e23583c9a5a4059383ff850'
Notice: /Stage[main]/Main/Tmpfile[c]/File[/tmp/c]/ensure: defined...