The developers of the openSUSE project have introduced the Agama 15 installer, designed to replace the classic installation interface for SUSE and openSUSE, notable for separating the user interface from the internal components of YaST. Agama supports various front ends, such as a web interface for managing installations. The installer component code is released under the GPLv2 license and is written in Ruby, Rust, and JavaScript/TypeScript.
For testing the new installer, live builds have been created for x86_64, ppc64le, s390x, and ARM64 architectures. The builds include a beta version of openSUSE Leap 16, continuously updated snapshots of openSUSE Tumbleweed and openSUSE Slowroll, as well as a container-based MicroOS release. The installer will be included in openSUSE Leap 16 (the alpha version is available) and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 16 (the beta release is expected in May).
The goals of the Agama development include addressing existing limitations of the graphical interface; expanding the possibilities for utilizing YaST functionality in other applications; moving away from dependence on a single programming language; and encouraging the creation of alternative settings by community members. The installer offers features such as selecting an initial set of applications, configuring network connections, language, keyboard, timezone, and localization settings, preparing storage devices, and partitioning, as well as adding users to the system.
For installing packages, checking hardware, partitioning disks, and other necessary installation functions, Agama continues to use YaST libraries, on top of which are service wrappers that abstract access to the libraries via a unified communication protocol based on HTTP. The installer employs a multiprocess architecture that ensures the user interaction interface remains responsive while other tasks are executed.
The basic interface for managing installations is built using web technologies. The web interface is written in JavaScript using the React framework and PatternFly components. The messaging service, along with a built-in HTTP server, is written in Ruby.
In the new version:
- A unified interface for configuring language, keyboard layout, and time zone has been provided. Previously, localization settings were separately available for the installer interface and the distribution being installed, which confused users.
- The interface for configuring wireless network connections has been revamped.
- The disk partitioning interface has been reorganized with context menus and additional explanations.
- The option to use a web interface for registering extensions has been made available.
- The automated installation mode has been improved.
- Interactive configuration settings for iSCSI and DASD parameters during automated installation have been provided.
- The search for storage devices and disk partitions on the target system, as well as their mapping to existing automated installation scenarios, has been enhanced.
- A new mdRaids property has been added for creating MD RAID arrays during automated installation.
- Bootloader settings have been updated with options to manage the timeout for displaying the boot menu and to pass additional parameters to the kernel.
- Network settings now include the ability to create network interfaces in bridge mode.
- In AutoYaST settings, relative paths in URLs are now allowed.
- The command-line interface now supports the command 'agama monitor' for tracking the installation process on another system.
Source: opennet.ru
