An efficient tool to execute configuration backups, network state snapshots, system readiness checks, and operating system upgrades of Palo Alto Networks firewalls and Panorama appliances.
This PR introduces a significant enhancement to the batch subcommand, focusing on improving user interaction by simplifying the process of selecting firewalls for batch operations. This change addresses the limitations of the previous mechanism that relied on users specifying firewalls using filter strings, which was not only cumbersome but also inefficient in environments with a large number of devices.
Key Changes Implemented
Inventory Selection Overhaul: We've revamped the selection process in batch mode, providing an automatic discovery feature that fetches and displays a comprehensive list of all available firewalls connected to the system or network.
Interactive Interface: An interactive interface has been implemented, allowing users to easily select one or multiple firewalls from the displayed list. This interface provides essential details for each firewall, such as hostname, serial number, and current software version, aiding users in making informed decisions.
Refinements and Updates:
Standardized the variable name user_selected_hostnames across the inventory selection process to maintain consistency.
Updated .gitignore to exclude pan_os_upgrade/settings.yaml and refined documentation to reflect the new selection mechanism.
Enhanced the readability and maintainability of the codebase by refactoring the filter_string_to_dict function and updating various docstrings.
Adjusted default settings by disabling the route table snapshot feature to streamline operations.
Made comprehensive updates to tests and documentation to align with the new features and ensure thorough coverage.
Benefits
User-Friendly Approach: The new mechanism is designed to be intuitive and straightforward, significantly enhancing the user experience by facilitating an easier selection process.
Efficiency and Accuracy: By providing detailed information about each firewall, the risk of targeting incorrect devices is minimized, and the overall efficiency of selecting target firewalls, especially in large-scale environments, is improved.
Considerations
Compatibility with existing systems and workflows has been carefully maintained to ensure a seamless transition to the new selection mechanism.
The security and integrity of the selection process have been prioritized to safeguard against unauthorized actions or access.
Detailed documentation and user guides have been developed to support users in adopting and maximizing the benefits of the new features.
This enhancement is part of our ongoing commitment to streamlining operations and improving the efficiency and user-friendliness of the pan-os-upgrade tool. We welcome feedback and suggestions from the community to further refine and enhance this feature.
Overview
This PR introduces a significant enhancement to the batch subcommand, focusing on improving user interaction by simplifying the process of selecting firewalls for batch operations. This change addresses the limitations of the previous mechanism that relied on users specifying firewalls using filter strings, which was not only cumbersome but also inefficient in environments with a large number of devices.
Key Changes Implemented
Inventory Selection Overhaul: We've revamped the selection process in batch mode, providing an automatic discovery feature that fetches and displays a comprehensive list of all available firewalls connected to the system or network.
Interactive Interface: An interactive interface has been implemented, allowing users to easily select one or multiple firewalls from the displayed list. This interface provides essential details for each firewall, such as hostname, serial number, and current software version, aiding users in making informed decisions.
Refinements and Updates:
Benefits
Considerations
This enhancement is part of our ongoing commitment to streamlining operations and improving the efficiency and user-friendliness of the pan-os-upgrade tool. We welcome feedback and suggestions from the community to further refine and enhance this feature.