etckeeper is a handy tool that lets you track changes in your /etc directory (where most Linux system configuration lives) using a version control system like Git.

see also

• SaltStack - an event-driven automation tool and framework to deploy, configure, and manage complex IT systems.
  • Managing operating system deployment and configuration.
  • Installing and configuring software applications and services.
  • Ensuring consistent configuration and preventing configuration drift.

Usage

Etckeeper automatically integrates with your package manager:

• On apt (Debian/Ubuntu): commits before/after package installs

see also

• How to keep configuration files under version control with Etckeeper

$ sudo apt install etckeeper

$ sudo etckeeper init
$ sudo etckeeper commit "Initial commit"

Viewing changes

$ cd /etc
$ sudo git log
$ sudo git diff

# or
$ sudo etckeeper vcs log
$ sudo etckeeper vcs diff