Currently, I am working on something similar but it is based on simple bash scripting only.
First, some checks for the official and the baseline template.
Afterwards a list of all available templates; quick selection via index…
At the end a last “yes” confirmation to launch installation routine.
I also highly appreciate @unman 's work but I also wonder a bit about your statement since you always argued that you do not want to make / support such ready to use automated installation routines / tools. I remember your “… give someone a fish vs. learn how to fish” statement. I have followed your advice and did the hard way - learning fishing - coding based on your tips automate debian-minimal based template creation. Do not get me wrong, I have learned a lot and this was not a waste of time but I guess I still need 1/2 - 1 year to reach my goals.
Up to know, I am not able to do salt coding but now I am questioning myself if I should continue my work or “just” supporting unman project since this is what I ultimately try to achieve.
With my self-developed script and Mini-templates Required Packages (Wiki) I am trying to do somehow similar but I am definitive not the best person do drive such an project. Therefore, my questions to @unman What are your plans here? How far do you want to go? How many applications / programs do you plan to add? Can we setup a community driven maintenance and extension of your work or will it be a prototype to inspire others?