5장. Developing installer add-ons

Anaconda is the operating system installer used in Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and their derivatives. It is a set of Python modules and scripts together with some additional files like Gtk widgets (written in C), systemd units, and dracut libraries. Together, they form a tool that allows users to set parameters of the resulting (target) system and then set up this system on a machine. The installation process has four major steps:

Using Anaconda enables you to install Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and their derivatives, in the following three ways:

Using graphical user interface (GUI):

This is the most common installation method. The interface allows users to install the system interactively with little or no configuration required before starting the installation. This method covers all common use cases, including setting up complicated partitioning layouts.

The graphical interface supports remote access over RDP, which allows you to use the GUI even on systems with no graphics cards or attached monitor.

Using text user interface (TUI):

The TUI works similar to a monochrome line printer, which allows it to work on serial consoles that do not support cursor movement, colors and other advanced features. The text mode is limited and allows you to customize only the most common options, such as network settings, language options or installation (package) source; advanced features such as manual partitioning are not available in this interface.

Using Kickstart file:

A Kickstart file is a plain text file with shell-like syntax that can contain data to drive the installation process. A Kickstart file allows you to partially or completely automate the installation. A set of commands which configures all required areas is necessary to completely automate the installation. If one or more commands are missed, the installation requires interaction.

Apart from automation of the installer itself, Kickstart files can contain custom scripts that are run at specific moments during the installation process.