How to use the command 'cockpit-tls' (with examples)

cockpit-tls is a command-line tool designed to act as a Transport Layer Security (TLS) terminating HTTP proxy. This means that it facilitates encrypting the traffic between a client and cockpit-ws, ensuring the communication remains secure. The command provides options to serve HTTP requests on specific ports and offers help documentation, making it versatile for various use cases in network security and administration tasks.

Serve HTTP requests to a specific port instead of port 9090

Code:

cockpit-tls --port 8080

Motivation:

In the world of network configuration, flexibility is often required to cater to different application needs, security requirements, or infrastructure constraints. By default, cockpit-tls listens and serves HTTP requests on port 9090. However, scenarios may arise where this default port is already in use or blocked by firewall rules. Alternatively, an administrator might choose to standardize communication over a different port to align with organizational policies or simplify integration with other network services. Using the --port option, you can easily override the default port and direct HTTP requests to any port that is permissible, such as 8080 in this case. This capability is valuable in multi-service environments where port management is a critical part of maintaining seamless operations.

Explanation:

• --port: This argument followed by a number specifies the port on which the cockpit-tls should listen instead of its default setting of port 9090. It is crucial for environments where port allocation needs to be customized to avoid conflicts or meet specific institutional guidelines.

Example Output:

TLS terminating proxy listening on port 8080

In this example, the user effectively redirects traffic to port 8080, and the system acknowledges the change, indicating that the proxy is active on the new port.

Display help

Code:

cockpit-tls --help

Motivation:

Every command-line tool comes with a learning curve, and having access to help documentation directly from the terminal can significantly enhance user efficiency. The --help option is a vital resource for both novice and experienced users who might need a quick refresher on the command’s capabilities, available options, or syntax. It empowers users by providing necessary information without the need to search external documentation. Whether troubleshooting an issue or learning the command for the first time, --help offers a convenient, immediate reference that can save time and prevent errors.

Explanation:

• --help: This argument when appended to the cockpit-tls command calls up the help documentation built into the command utility. It details usage, various options available, and a brief description of each, enabling users to navigate and utilize the command’s capabilities effectively.

Example Output:

usage: cockpit-tls [OPTION]...
TLS terminating HTTP proxy to encrypt traffic between a client and cockpit-ws.

Options:
  --port port             Serve requests on this port instead of 9090
  --help                  Display this help message and exit

For more information, visit: <https://cockpit-project.org/guide/latest/cockpit-tls.8.html>

The output clearly outlines the usage of the command and provides a brief yet comprehensive list of options available with cockpit-tls along with their descriptions. It’s an invaluable resource for understanding how the command works and how different parameters can be utilized.

Conclusion:

The cockpit-tls command is an essential utility for managing secured HTTP communications in network environments. By understanding its flexible port configuration capabilities and readily accessible help options, network administrators can harness its functionalities to maintain secure and efficient systems. Employing cockpit-tls in scenarios that require non-standard port configurations or quick access to operational help ensures that the integrity of communication channels is upheld while empowering users with command mastery.