Netbox Custom Scripts are just Python scripts that you can run inside of Netbox to perform tasks like creating a new site. They allow you do access the Netbox data model directly but the code is outside of the Netbox install.
Netbox Scripts can be run directly from within Netbox and can also be triggered by the Rest API.
Netbox Custom Scripts Examples
You can view all my custom scripts on my GitHub here:
https://github.com/rogerperkin/netbox-custom-scripts/
Write your own Netbox Custom Script
Where do I put Custom Scripts?
You can upload a script via the web interface (Customisation > Scripts > +, File Upload). This will put it into /opt/netbox/netbox/scripts/ directory.
More Info
Netbox Custom Script
NetBox custom scripts are powerful tools for network automation engineers to extend and customize NetBox functionality. As a network automation engineer, Roger Perkin understands the importance of these scripts in streamlining network management tasks. Custom scripts in NetBox allow users to execute custom logic directly from the NetBox UI, enabling efficient manipulation of network data.
These scripts can automate various tasks, such as populating new devices and cables for site deployments, creating ranges of reserved prefixes or IP addresses, and importing data from external sources.
To create a netbox custom script, engineers must inherit from the extras.scripts.Script base class, which provides essential functionality for form generation and activity logging.The structure of a custom script typically includes a set of variables for user input and a run() method containing the execution logic. This flexibility allows network engineers to tailor scripts to their specific needs, whether it’s for data validation, bulk updates, or complex network configurations.
Roger Perkin, with his CCIE #50038 certification and extensive experience in network automation, recognizes the value of custom scripts in enhancing NetBox’s capabilities.
These scripts can be used to enforce network standards, perform health checks, and ensure data integrity within NetBox. For example, a custom script could verify that all top-of-rack switches have console connections or that every router has a properly configured loopback interface. Custom scripts in NetBox are written in Python, which aligns well with the growing trend of Python usage in network automation. This allows network engineers to leverage their Python skills to create powerful automation solutions within the NetBox environment.
The scripts can interact with various NetBox models, such as devices, interfaces, and IP addresses, providing a comprehensive approach to network data management. One of the key advantages of NetBox custom scripts is their ability to accept user input through a web form, making them accessible to team members who may not have programming experience.
This feature enables wider adoption of automation practices within network teams. Additionally, custom scripts can be used to integrate NetBox with external systems, further expanding its utility in complex network environments. As network infrastructures grow more complex, tools like NetBox and its custom scripting capabilities become increasingly valuable. Network automation engineers can use these scripts to create tailored solutions for specific network challenges, improving efficiency and reducing manual errors. The ability to version control these scripts using tools like Git also aligns with best practices in software development, ensuring that network automation efforts are trackable and maintainable.
By mastering NetBox Custom Scripts, network engineers can significantly enhance their automation capabilities, leading to more robust and agile network management practices28. These scripts serve as a bridge between traditional networking skills and modern software development methodologies, positioning professionals like Roger Perkin at the forefront of the evolving field of network engineering.
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