[chef] Recipe attributes: when and how the hell?

["aL." < >]

Hi guys, about attribute precedence everythin is said but, when the hell attributes defined on the recipes like the one below are loaded? And how? 

node.default['autofs']['map']['/mnt/shared'] = 'shared.map'

On the docs [1], at the "Reset attributes" step (before convergence) it says: All attributes in the rebuilt node object are reset. All attributes from recipes, roles, environments, Ohai and attribute files are loaded. All attributes in the rebuilt node object are updated with the attribute data according to attribute precedence. When all of the attributes are updated, the rebuilt node object is complete.

So the interesting part is: "All attributes from RECIPES, roles ...... are loaded" so if all attributes are loaded before convergence, why if i set an attribute on a recipe later in the runlist i cant get that information?

So attributes on recipes are loaded exactly when that piece of the recipe are executed, on the convergence phase?

Im so confusing about that. I know that lazy works, but if you want to loop over a list attribute that you are building from other cookbooks i.e.:
- autofs maps
- firewall rules
- snmp mibs
- selinux policies
- allowed ssh groups or users
- .... etc...you are stuck!

Because you need a way to let other cookbooks add rules, maps, mibs, groups or whatever, knowing that when shorewal template will be rendered, it will be filled with all rules, an so with snmp, sudoers, groups, autofs maps ... you know whatever !

An explanantion of when and how attributes on recipes are loaded and merged, will be appreciated. As far as i know, what is written on the docs are false.

Attributes on recipes doesnt seems to be being loaded before convergence...but surprise! If you use node.override['rules'] << [new  rule]

It seems to works.. like on this cookbook [2]

Thanks in advance guys!

[1] - http://docs.opscode.com/essentials_nodes_chef_run.html
[2] - http://community.opscode.com/cookbooks/shorewall

--
Si necesitas una máquina para hacer algo y no la compras al final te darás cuenta de que has pagado lo mismo y no tienes la máquina.--Henry Ford

Alberto