> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usenubis.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cloud-init scripts

> Use cloud-init to make Nubis Compute launches more repeatable and less manual.

## Bootstrap once, reuse often

Cloud-init is the cleanest way to turn a fresh instance into a predictable workload host. Instead of logging in and hand-configuring packages or users, define that logic at launch time.

## Good uses for cloud-init

* Installing packages and runtime dependencies
* Creating system users or SSH configuration
* Writing configuration files and environment values
* Pulling application code or artifacts during boot
* Enabling agents for monitoring or security

## Example pattern

```yaml theme={null}
#cloud-config
package_update: true
packages:
  - nginx
  - curl
runcmd:
  - systemctl enable nginx
  - systemctl start nginx
```

## Best practices

* Keep scripts idempotent where possible.
* Avoid burying long-lived secrets directly in user data.
* Test bootstrap changes on non-production instances first.
* Pair cloud-init with [Key pairs](/services/nubis-compute/networks-security/key-pairs) and [Disks](/services/nubis-compute/servers/disks) when workloads need both bootstrapping and attached storage.