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iris-cpf-merge

Apply CPF merge files to configure IRIS containers at startup.

27|10|Updated Apr 21, 2026
Search Tags:#docker#ci testing#iris#cpf merge#password configuration#container initialization#security defaults
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/intersystems-community/iris-agentic-dev --skill iris-cpf-merge
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: iris-cpf-merge
Source: https://github.com/intersystems-community/iris-agentic-dev/tree/main/light-skills/skills/iris-cpf-merge
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/intersystems-community/iris-agentic-dev --skill iris-cpf-merge

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill solves the problem of configuring InterSystems IRIS containers reliably without fragile docker exec steps, especially when setting up users, services, and password change behavior at startup.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • CPF Merge Startup Configuration: Use a merge.cpf file processed by IRIS via ISC_CPF_MERGE_FILE to apply configuration before the superserver opens.
  • Secure Defaults for Users and Password Policies: Ensures ChangePassword=0 is correctly applied to both _SYSTEM and SuperUser to prevent broken default connections.
  • Common Mistake Detection and CI-Friendly Approach: Covers typical CPF merge misconfigurations and recommends avoiding slower/unreliable password-expiration workarounds in restricted CI.
  • Use Case: When bringing up an IRIS Docker environment for DBAPI or automated tests, apply CallIn enabling and password-policy fixes through merge.cpf so connections work immediately.

Quick Start

Ask the AI to generate a merge.cpf that sets ISC_CPF_MERGE_FILE to enable CallIn, sets ChangePassword=0 for both _SYSTEM and SuperUser, and includes the required password hash so your IRIS container boots with a working default connection.

Frequently Asked Questions about iris-cpf-merge

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I configure an IRIS Docker container at startup without using docker exec?▼

To configure an IRIS Docker container without docker exec, apply a CPF merge file using the ISC_CPF_MERGE_FILE environment variable. This executes merge.cpf before the superserver opens, deterministically applying users, services, and password policies at container startup.

Why does my IRIS container default connection fail after setting ChangePassword=0?▼

IRIS container default connections fail when ChangePassword=0 is not applied to both _SYSTEM and SuperUser. Correctly configuring dual-user password policies in your merge.cpf ensures default connections work immediately without broken authentication states.

What is the best way to enable %Service_CallIn for IRIS in a CI testing pipeline?▼

The best way to enable %Service_CallIn in CI is through CPF merge Actions within your merge.cpf file. This approach avoids slower password-expiration workarounds and configures the service reliably before the IRIS superserver opens.

Can I create namespaces and databases in IRIS automatically during container initialization?▼

Yes, you can create namespaces and databases automatically during IRIS container initialization by adding Actions to your merge.cpf file. This is processed via ISC_CPF_MERGE_FILE, ensuring deterministic namespace setup for Docker-based development and CI test environments.

What are common mistakes when applying CPF merge files to InterSystems IRIS containers?▼

Common CPF merge mistakes include incorrect dual-user ChangePassword=0 handling for _SYSTEM and SuperUser, and applying configurations after the superserver opens. Using ISC_CPF_MERGE_FILE ensures merge.cpf execution occurs at the correct initialization phase.

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