Boto

=Overview=

Boto is a python library that makes it easier to work with services supporting the Amazon Web Services API, such as DreamObjects. Using boto directly requires a little bit of Python scripting knowledge, but you can also use boto-rsync to leverage boto without any Python code.

=Configuration= Boto can use a configuration file and this is the recommended way to use it on DreamHost for security and convenience.

To configure boto, create a file called ".boto" (that leading dot is important!) and put it in the home directory of the user you will be using to run the boto code or commands. For security the file should be only readable by you. Permissions can be set appropriately from the command line with either "chmod 0600 .boto" or with "chmod go -rwx .boto".

The file contents should be something like this (using the Access Key and Secret Key from the DreamHost Control Panel): [Credentials] aws_access_key_id = PiaAV8lUKjlutMCUUFbS aws_secret_access_key = nIg541ajNdTjW1q5yh9mBdSEoeGK6ADRMsM-JS4X s3_host = objects.dreamhost.com

There are several more boto configuration options documented as well.

=Getting Started= If you're ready to dig into some boto code, the boto getting started guide is a great place to start. Note that on DreamHost servers we've already installed boto for you so you don't have to do that part.

=Using boto-rsync= boto-rsync is an rsync-like tool that leverages boto to synchronize local files with an object storage service like DreamObjects.

Handy boto-rsync resources

 * Readme on basic usage
 * How to configure a password file
 * Basic usage on our servers:
 * boto-rsync -v /PATH/TO/SOURCE/FOR/BACKUPS s3://BUCKET/[SUB/DIRECTORIES/IF/DESIRED]