Distribution strategies

Nuvolos supports various distribution strategies. These are:

• Overwrite (default),

• Distribute extra and

• Clear target and replace.

Overwrite strategy

Overwrite is the default strategy. Suppose we distribute file a/b/text.txt. If a file with the same name on the same path exists in the target, it gets overwritten by this distributed file. Files not existing in the target get created.

The reason that overwrite is the default strategy is that it gives control to the distributor over the target, without any unintended side effects. We suggest leaving most distribution use-cases at this setting.

Distribute extra

Distribute extra is the least intrusive strategy. Suppose we distribute file a/b/text.txt. If a file with the same name on the same path exists in the target, it does not get overwritten by this file. Only files not existing in the target get created.

Distribute extra is useful if you do not want to accidentally modify the target files. This is actually a rare use-case as you will not necessarily know the exact functioning of the files that you have managed to distribute.

Clear target and replace

Clear target and replace is the most straightforward and intrusive strategy. It erases the target contents completely first, then it copies whatever was distributed.

Clear target and replace is most useful if you want to guarantee that whatever you distributed runs exactly as in your environment.