Can TRAMP parse passwords from .netrc file?

[Bernie]

I'd like to use TRAMP to edit remote files via SSH. However, it's
inconvenient to enter your password every time I connect to a remote
system. I currently have a .netrc, and when using efs to edit remote
files, reads the password from my .netrc file. I've looked at the TRAMP
docs, done google searches, and have found no information on automating
password entry, EXCEPT for configuring SSH itself for passwordless logins.
I have ~ 50 systems that I connect to, and don't want to have to maintain
SSH keys.

Perhaps it would be possible to write a tramp hook, that parsed the
password from the .netrc, then entered it automatically?

-Thanks

[Tim X]

Bernie> I'd like to use TRAMP to edit remote files via SSH. However,
Bernie> it's inconvenient to enter your password every time I connect
Bernie> to a remote system. I currently have a .netrc, and when using
Bernie> efs to edit remote files, reads the password from my .netrc
Bernie> file. I've looked at the TRAMP docs, done google searches,
Bernie> and have found no information on automating password entry,
Bernie> EXCEPT for configuring SSH itself for passwordless logins. I
Bernie> have ~ 50 systems that I connect to, and don't want to have
Bernie> to maintain SSH keys.

Bernie> Perhaps it would be possible to write a tramp hook, that
Bernie> parsed the password from the .netrc, then entered it
Bernie> automatically?

Bernie> -Thanks

Whats the problem with maintaining an ssh key? I have a very large
number of hosts I need to access regularly and use TRAMP a
lot. Creation of the ssh keys was simple. I then just copied the key
to each system (for 50 systems, this won't take long - you could
easily automate it with expect). Its then done. I don't see what the
maintenance overhead is? If you have chosen a key with strong
encryption and a good passphrase, you can use that key for a long time
(assuming your host with the master key is secure). I've been using
the same key pair for 2 years now, so there has been no
maintenance. Is there something I'm overlooking?

Tim