Configuration and the Master (auto_master or auto.master) Map

When initiated without arguments, automount consults the master map for a list of autofs mount points and their maps. It mounts any autofs mounts that are not already mounted and unmounts autofs mounts that have been removed from the master map or direct map. The automount command may be initiated to establish mounts by specifying the map information on the command line. This information can be lost if the automount command is invoked a second time. For the sake of administration and debugging, the automount command writes a reference map file that reflects the map information specified on the command line. The file is generated on each invocation of the command and is called /etc/autofs_cmdline.

Note: The master map can be called auto_master or auto.master. If auto_master isn't found, NIS looks for auto.master.