chef

Generate a new cookbook

$ chef generate cookbook [cookbook_name]

$ chef generate recipe [cookbook_name] [recipe_name]

$ chef exec cookstyle [cookbook_path]

$ chef-client --local-mode --runlist "[recipe[cookbook::recipe]]"

$ chef --version

$ chef gem install [gem_name]

$ chef exec inspec exec [test_path]

chef command [options]

chef is the command-line interface for Chef Workstation, a configuration management and infrastructure automation platform. It provides tools for developing, testing, and managing cookbooks that define system configurations.
Cookbooks contain recipes written in Ruby DSL that describe desired system states. Chef applies these recipes to nodes, ensuring consistent configuration across infrastructure. The workflow includes local development, testing with Test Kitchen, and deployment to Chef Server.

generate type name

Generate cookbook, recipe, template, or other component.

Run command in Chef context with bundled Ruby.

Manage Ruby gems in Chef's environment.

Install cookbooks from Policyfile.

Update cookbooks in Policyfile.

Export policy archive for deployment.

Push policy to Chef Server.

Show version information.

Display help information.

Requires Ruby knowledge for recipe development. Chef Server setup needed for centralized management. Local mode testing requires sufficient resources. Cookbooks may have complex dependencies.

Chef was created by Adam Jacob at Opscode (later Chef Software) in 2009. It pioneered the "infrastructure as code" concept alongside Puppet. Chef was written in Ruby and Erlang, and gained popularity for its flexibility. In 2020, Chef was acquired by Progress Software. The tooling has evolved from knife-centric workflows to modern Chef Workstation.

knife(1), kitchen(1), inspec(1), ansible(1), puppet(1)