Question

I would like to reset passwords on a bunch of boxes over SSH. Any pointers on how Erlang could be used for this purpose?

Answer 1

Erlang is indeed a well-suited choice for this problem.

You should have a look at the ssh module. Start a connection with

ssh:connect(Host, Port, Options).

Then use the ssh_connection module to execute the right passwd command (hint: start a shell first) and log out.

Edit: The above is mostly wrong, this blog post might get you started faster.

You can even write a simple server that does all of these things on several hosts in parallel, resulting in the most multicore-capable multi-host ssh password changer on this very planet. Weekend project idea: make a web app out of it.