Cloud-init is a tool that is used to customize and configure virtual machines and containers on cloud platforms, including Proxmox. It allows for easy provisioning of resources and automation of tasks such as setting hostnames, configuring network settings, and creating users and SSH keys.
In Proxmox, cloud-init is used to customize containers during the creation process. When creating a new container, you can specify a cloud-init configuration file that contains the necessary customization and configuration settings. These settings will be applied automatically when the container is created, saving time and effort compared to manual configuration.
The cloud-init configuration file can be created manually or generated using a tool such as cloud-config. The file can contain various configuration settings, including network settings, SSH keys, user accounts, and software packages to be installed.
Proxmox also supports cloud-init for virtual machines, which can be useful for automating the setup of new VMs in a cloud environment. Cloud-init is a powerful tool that streamlines the deployment and configuration of virtual machines and containers, making it a valuable addition to the Proxmox platform.