What is the purpose ofcloud-init?

Cloud-init is a tool that processes configurations and runs through five stages during the initial boot of Linux VMs in a cloud. It allows users to customize a Linux VM as it boots for the first time, by applying user data to the instance. User data can include scripts, commands, packages, files, users, groups, SSH keys, and more. Cloud-init can also interact with various cloud platforms and services, such as Azure, AWS, OpenStack, and others. The purpose of cloud-init is to prepare the generic image of an laaS instance to fit a specific instance’s configuration, such as hostname, network, security, and application settings. References:

Cloud-init - The standard for customising cloud instances

Understanding cloud-init - Azure Virtual Machines

Tutorial - Customize a Linux VM with cloud-init in Azure - Azure Virtual Machines