What if we used NFS to mount /etc/hosts. (We'll ignore DNS etc.).
Is there a cyclical dependency?
Why is this a bad idea?
I've been thinking about this for awhile and can mostly see that it makes it easier to hijack naming since only do it once, but that doesn't seem like much of a reason since once is bad enough.
Thanks
Like all files in /etc it is best to have them on the local host. What happens if your network connection dies? Your system is without its config files.
Now, if the network dies and your /etc/hosts file is gone it shouldn't be -too- much of a problem, but still it could cause flakiness.
Seriously, keep everything in /etc locally. If you want to change a network-wide configuration from one central location, either use a directory service, or a centralised admin tool like CFEngine/Webmin.
Actually, I'm wondering if this is even -possible-! Cause you're setting yourself up for a deadlock...
NFS needs networking, right?
Networking needs IP addresses...
The IP addresses for the NICs are stored, where?
Indeed... /etc/hosts.
So as the mobsters say: fuggedaboutit...
