AutoYaST

AutoYaST is the automated installation framework used by SUSE Linux distributions, including openSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. It enables unattended, repeatable installations by applying a predefined installation profile that contains all decisions normally made during an interactive install. The profile is written in XML and is conventionally named autoyast.xml. It describes language, keyboard layout, time zone, network configuration, storage layout, repositories, package lists, services to enable, and user accounts, including root password and SSH keys. It can also specify post-install configuration commands and scripts.

AutoYaST installations can be initiated from various media and network setups, including PXE network boot, DVD/USB media, or a local file path. The installer fetches the autoyast.xml profile from a location that is reachable during installation and then runs non-interactively to provision the host. The profile can also be tailored per host or group and reused to deploy many machines with consistent settings. The approach supports complex partitioning schemes (including LVM and multiple file systems) and can configure repositories, patterns, and packages to install.

In practice, AutoYaST is used to deploy large fleets of systems in data centers, laboratories, and training environments, delivering predictable configurations and reducing manual effort. It integrates with YaST for configuration management and can be extended with post-install scripts or custom modules. Limitations include a focus on SUSE-based distributions and the need to maintain profile files as environments evolve.