Contents
IronPython background
In this lesson, we would go over how to use device42 APIs to auto-populate the database for all machines in a Windows Active Directory Environment using the APIs and Iron Python/PowerShell script.
Why Iron Python?
There are two simple reasons:
1. Python is the Device42 language of choice – You can substitute a language *you prefer* in these scripts as long as it can interact with REST APIs.
2. There is no installation required. You can simply drop the executables in a folder, and as long as you have .NET 4 framework installed, you’re up and running.
Requirements:
- Iron Python, available here: https://ironpython.codeplex.com/releases/view/62475
- .Net 4 framework, available here: https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=17851
- PowerShell. v1.0 or 2.0 (preferred)
- Device42 sample scripts, latest version available here(under src folder): https://github.com/device42/Device42-API
Installing IronPython
Assuming you have Powershell and have the .NET 4 framework installed, you’re ready to download the installer/binaries for IronPython. Binaries are preferred because a simple folder unzip gets you ready to go – however, installation works fine, if you prefer.
Download the sample script (ad-sample.py)
You can download the latest script at https://github.com/device42/Device42-API/tree/master/src.
Once you click on the script file, you can click on download and save that file (File>Save Page As…); preferably in same folder as binaries for IronPython are unzipped.
Prepare the sample script for your environment
Edit the script and change these sections:
BASE_URL: This is the URL for your Device42 appliance – please make sure there is no trailing ‘/’ at the end.
Example: BASE_URL=’https://d42app.device42.pvt’
USER & PASSWORD are the credentials for an Administrator who has access to log into the Device42 appliance.
Simply make those quick changes, and you’re ready to run!
Run the script
From the command line, go the folder where your IronPython binaries are, and run ipy.exe. Pass the script name as the argument as highlighted in the image above.
Choose Any option and script should populate the D42 database as per chosen option.
Please note that cmd.exe has to be running as a domain administrator to enumerate domain objects, or you must be logged in as a domain administrator on the system you are running this from.
To run cmd.exe as a domain administrator:
Open a command prompt and invoke cmd.exe using runas:
runas /user:domainAdministrator "cmd.exe"
Finally, cd to the IronPython directory(or use respective paths) and run ipy.exe, passing the Active Directory python script as a parameter as shown in the image in step 4, above. You’re all set!