Features
========

Here are the features that make cdist unique.

**Simplicity**
   There is only one type to extend cdist called **type**

**Design**
    + Type and core cleanly separated
    + Sticks completely to the KISS (keep it simple and stupid)  paradigm
    + Meaningful error messages - do not lose time debugging error messages
    + Consistency in behaviour, naming and documentation
    + No surprise factor: Only do what is obviously clear, no magic
    + Define target state, do not focus on methods or scripts
    + Push architecture: Instantly apply your changes

**Small core**
    cdist's core is very small - less code, less bugs

**Fast development**
    Focus on straightforwardness of type creation is a main development objective
    Batteries included: A lot of requirements can be solved using standard types

**Modern Programming Language**
    cdist is written in Python

**Requirements, Scalability**
    No central server needed, cdist operates in push mode and can be run from any computer

**Requirements, Scalability, Upgrade**
    cdist only needs to be updated on the master, not on the target hosts

**Requirements, Security**
    Uses well-know `SSH <http://www.openssh.com/>`_ as transport protocol

**Requirements, Simplicity**
    Requires only shell and SSH server on the target

**UNIX**
    Reuse of existing tools like cat, find, mv, ...

**UNIX, familiar environment, documentation**
    Is available as manpages and HTML

**UNIX, simplicity, familiar environment**
    cdist is configured in POSIX shell