Grammar for configuration validation

A system comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory that stores instructions that cause the processor to:
• receive a switch specific grammar comprising a first switch specific configuration syntax and allowable settings values for a first switch in a target network by interrogating the first switch, wherein the first switch specific configuration syntax and allowable settings values are specific to a particular hardware and operating system combination of the first switch;
• receive, within a network device configuration editor having a superset of configuration syntax and allowable settings values, syntax and settings values for defining a first configuration for the first switch in the target network, wherein the superset comprises configuration syntax and allowable settings values for a plurality of hardware and operating system combinations;
• limit the superset to the first switch specific configuration syntax and allowable settings values for the first switch to create a limited superset, wherein the limited superset comprises configuration syntax and allowable settings values that are specific to the particular hardware and operating system combination of the first switch;
• compare the limited superset to the received syntax and settings values for defining the first configuration for the first switch;
• and
• indicate syntax errors and settings value errors in the received syntax and settings values for defining the first configuration for the first switch.

A non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, which when executed, cause a computer to:

• receive a switch specific grammar comprising a first switch specific configuration syntax and allowable settings values for a first switch in a target network by interrogating the first switch, wherein the first switch specific configuration syntax and allowable settings values are specific to a particular hardware and operating system combination of the first switch;
• receive, within a network device configuration editor having a superset of configuration syntax and allowable settings values, syntax and settings values for defining a first configuration for the first switch in the target network, wherein the superset comprises configuration syntax and allowable settings values for a plurality of hardware and operating system combinations;
• limit the superset to the first switch specific configuration syntax and allowable settings values for the first switch to create a limited superset, wherein the limited superset comprises configuration syntax and allowable settings values that are specific to the particular hardware and operating system combination of the first switch;
• compare the limited superset to the received syntax and settings values for defining the first configuration for the first switch;
• and
• indicate syntax errors and settings value errors in the received syntax and settings values for defining the first configuration for the first switch.