LCFG vs pyinfra
LCFG
lcfg.org
pyinfra
pyinfra.comSide by side
| Figure | LCFG | pyinfra |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Configuration Management Tools | 8.2 (#10) | 7.7 (#15) |
| Purpose | LCFG automatically installs and manages configurations for large numbers of Unix systems, particularly at sites with diverse and rapidly changing configurations. | pyinfra is a Python-native, agentless automation tool that runs commands over SSH concurrently and idempotently. |
| Support | LCFG provides an archived mailing list for discussion and announcements, and its package documentation directs bug reports and feedback to [email protected]. | The project directs users to its Matrix room and Stack Overflow for help, and to GitHub issues for bug reports. |
Plans
In their own words
LCFG
LCFG is a free, GPL-licensed system for automatically installing and managing configurations across large groups of Unix machines. It targets sites where systems differ and change frequently. Administrators keep source settings on a central server; LCFG compiles them into XML profiles that clients download when changes occur. Client components react to resource changes by generating configuration files and reconfiguring related daemons. A package component aligns installed software with each machine’s profile. New machines can be installed over a network file system after source files are created, using a boot floppy or PXE. LCFG is self-hosted and agent-based, with patch management and HTTP resource transport. Listed supported platforms include Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04; FAQ material also names Fedora Core 3, 5, and 6 and Scientific Linux 5. Solaris support is weaker and un-packaged, Mac OS X is experimental, and the demonstration Windows client lacks real components. Documentation covers configuration, dynamic networking, and build tools.
pyinfra
pyinfra is a free, Python-native tool for automating infrastructure across servers. It connects over SSH to run commands concurrently and idempotently, using Python deploys and inventories. Operations can describe a desired host state or issue specific commands, and `--dry` previews per-host changes before applying them. The project says it works from one host to 10,000, with parallel execution and real-time output. Target machines need a shell and SSH, but no agent, daemon, state file, or control plane. Documented connectors include SSH, Docker, Terraform, and the local machine; operations cover package managers, files, services, databases, security, and containers. It runs wherever Python runs, with Mac, Linux, and Windows listed as control systems. Python 3.10 or later is required; pyinfra 3.5.1 and later supports Python 3.10 through 3.13. The software is MIT licensed. The installation guidance recommends keeping pyinfra and its dependencies current and installing as a regular user rather than as root or with sudo. Help is directed to Matrix and Stack Overflow, while bug reports go to GitHub issues.