CLI VS feature-based device template

[RS19]

Would like to understand what is the difference between CLI or feature-based device template.

I read the online documentation but not able to clearly understand the difference.

If any one can explain what is the difference & which one to use it ?

[ekhabaro]

Feature-based device template is composed out of feature template like puzzle. This is more GUI based approach.

If you got used to CLI, you can use CLI templates and may find them more practical. For vEdge routers or any controller, you can configure device via CLI and then transfer configuration to a CLI template in vManage, replace some values with variables and then replicate your template between devices.

For cEdge routers it's bit tricky. You can't just configure cEdge router via CLI and transfer configuration to the template because cEdges are using intent-based (vEdge-like) config in CLI templates and the only easy and most reliable way to produce cEdge CLI template is to configure cEdge with feature-based device template first and then copy config to CLI template during config-preview phase.

Hope that helps to clarify.

[RS19]

Thanks for the explanation.

1 clarification : For vEdge I understand that the normal practice is feature based template.

What about vSmart, vBond & vMnage ? What is the recommendation for configuring these devices ?