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Asked: 2024-09-24T19:59:17+05:30 In:

I’m facing an issue with configuring Netplan on my Ubuntu system. While editing the YAML file for network settings, I keep encountering an error that mentions an invalid YAML structure. It indicates that it did not find the expected key. Can anyone provide guidance on how to resolve this issue or tips on ensuring the YAML file is correctly formatted?

I’m having a bit of a headache trying to configure Netplan on my Ubuntu system, and I could really use some help. I’ve been diving into the YAML file for network settings, but every time I think I’ve got it right, I get hit with an error about invalid YAML structure. It’s super frustrating because I’m following the examples I found online, but I keep running into this pesky “did not find the expected key” message.

I’ve checked for indentation issues because I know how crucial that is with YAML, but I still can’t figure out what’s going wrong. It’s like a never-ending cycle of editing, saving, and getting the same error. I’m not even sure what it means by “expected key.” Is it referring to something specific like the interface name or the address?

I thought maybe it was a spacing problem since YAML is sensitive to that kind of stuff, so I’ve tried using spaces instead of tabs, but no luck. And I wonder if there’s something I might be missing, like the overall structure? I’ve seen different formats online, and some have more nested keys than others. How deeply nested should I go?

Also, any tips on tools or commands to validate my YAML before I apply the changes would be awesome. I heard there are linters for YAML files; have any of you used one that works really well? Maybe there’s a command I can run in the terminal that would help pinpoint what’s going wrong?

Honestly, at this point, I’m just looking for any insights or experiences you all might have had while configuring your own network settings with Netplan. If you’ve faced similar frustrations, how did you get through it? Any help would be massively appreciated because I’d love to get my network up and running without tearing my hair out! Thanks in advance for any advice!

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    2 Answers


    1. When working with Netplan on Ubuntu, the “did not find the expected key” error usually indicates a problem with the structure or indentation of your YAML file. YAML is sensitive to spaces and indentation, so it’s crucial to ensure that everything is formatted correctly. Check that you are using spaces instead of tabs, as mixing them can lead to such errors. Each level of indentation should be consistent; typically, two spaces are recommended for each level. Regarding the “expected key” message, it often refers to essential configurations like interface names, addresses, or gateway settings that might not be structured correctly. Pay close attention to colons `:` and ensure that there are no trailing spaces or unexpected characters that could disrupt the parsing of your configuration.

      To simplify your YAML validation process, consider using a YAML linter or validator tool. Tools such as `yamllint` allow you to validate your YAML syntax before you apply the configuration. You can install it using `sudo apt install yamllint` and run it by executing `yamllint your-netplan-file.yaml` in the terminal. This command will highlight syntax errors and give you a clearer insight into what might be wrong. Additionally, it’s wise to refer to the official Netplan documentation for examples and best practices, which will help you maintain the proper structure. Remember that when nesting keys, make sure they logically align with the configurations you intend to set; excessive nesting can lead to confusion and unnecessary complexity. It’s a matter of trial and error, so stick with it, and you’ll get the hang of it!




    2. Netplan Configuration Help

      Yikes! YAML can be so tricky, right? I totally feel your pain with those pesky “expected key” errors. This usually means that something in your YAML isn’t lined up like it should be. It could be a misplaced indentation or a missing colon or dash.

      Here are some things to look out for:

      • Indentation: Make sure you’re using spaces, not tabs, and that everything is consistently indented. You usually want 2 spaces per indentation level.
      • Key Value Pairs: Every key should be followed by a colon and a space, then the value. For example: addresses: [192.168.1.10/24] for IP addresses.
      • Nesting: If you’re including nested structures (like DHCP options), make sure they’re indented properly underneath the main key.

      To help with validation, you might want to check out a YAML linter! Here are a couple of options that I’ve found useful:

      • Online Linters: You can paste your YAML into websites like yamllint.com to check for errors.
      • Command Line: If you’re comfortable with the terminal, you can install a YAML linter like yamllint using sudo apt install yamllint. Then, just run yamllint yourfile.yaml to see any issues.

      It might also be helpful to start from a simple example and build up from there. Sometimes, stripping things down to the basics and verifying step-by-step can uncover the issue.

      And don’t worry if you find yourself tweaking it repeatedly! It happens to everyone. Just take a break if it gets too frustrating, come back fresh, and try to tackle it again.

      You’re almost there—good luck getting everything set up!


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