Where Are Salt Config Files Stored?
Salt automation master and minion config folders plus key paths on Linux fleet servers. Covers defaults.
Last updated
Salt splits config between masters and minions. Masters use /etc/salt/master with file roots and pillar paths. Minions use /etc/salt/minion with master address. Keys for both live in pki subfolders.
Caches sit in /var/cache/salt with job returns and file server copies. States themselves live in srv folders, often /srv/salt and /srv/pillar. Back up configs, keys, and srv trees. Caches rebuild from masters. Grains target minions by attributes. Runners orchestrate multi host workflows centrally. Pillars separate secrets cleanly.
Where Salt stores this, by platform
/etc/salt/master
Master config with file roots and pillar paths. Keys in pki subfolder establish minion trust. Keep with srv trees for restores.
/etc/salt/minion
Minion master address and key files. The minion id beside it must stay unique. Copy per host, never clone keys across fleets.
Frequently asked questions
what do i back up for a Salt master move
Copy /etc/salt with /var/cache/salt for masters. Configs hold roster and pillar settings. Caches hold job returns. Keys in /etc/salt/pki matter most for trust.
where is Salt minion config stored
Look in /etc/salt/minion with the minion id file. It holds master address and keys. The cache in /var/cache/salt/minion tracks jobs. Reaccept keys after cloning minions.
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