HashiCorp Packer Syllabus

1. Introduction to Packer

• Overview of Packer
  • What is Packer?
  • Use Cases and Benefits
  • Key Features and Architecture

2. Installation and Setup

• Installing Packer
  • Installation on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Setting up the Packer Environment
  • Basic Command-Line Usage

3. Getting Started with Packer

• Packer Basics
  • Understanding Packer Templates
  • JSON vs. HCL Template Formats
  • Basic Template Structure: Builders, Provisioners, and Post-processors

4. Builders

• Understanding Builders
  • Overview of Builders
  • Common Builders: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, VMware, VirtualBox, Docker
  • Configuring and Using Builders
  • Example: Creating an AWS AMI

5. Provisioners

• Provisioning Basics
  • Overview of Provisioners
  • Built-in Provisioners: Shell, Ansible, Chef, Puppet, Salt, etc.
  • Writing and Using Shell Scripts for Provisioning
  • Example: Using Ansible as a Provisioner

6. Post-Processors

• Post-Processing
  • Overview of Post-processors
  • Common Post-processors: Compress, Artifact Upload, Docker Push
  • Example: Compressing and Uploading Images

7. Variables and Functions

• Dynamic Templates
  • Using Variables in Packer Templates
  • Defining and Using User Variables
  • Using Functions to Manipulate Variables and Strings

8. Advanced Template Features

• Advanced Configuration
  • Template Inheritance and Composition
  • Using HCL for Advanced Configurations
  • Working with Complex Data Structures

9. Debugging and Troubleshooting

• Debugging Techniques
  • Common Issues and Solutions
  • Using Packer’s Debug Mode
  • Logging and Output Inspection

10. Packer and CI/CD Integration

• Automation and CI/CD
  • Integrating Packer with Jenkins
  • Using Packer in GitLab CI/CD Pipelines
  • Example: Automating Packer Builds with CircleCI

11. Advanced Packer Concepts

• Deep Dive into Packer Architecture
  • Detailed Overview of Packer’s Internal Workings
  • Understanding Packer’s Lifecycle: Initialization, Validation, Build, and Cleanup

12. Custom Builders

• Creating Custom Builders
  • Introduction to Custom Builders
  • Building a Custom Builder from Scratch
  • Using the Packer Plugin SDK

13. Advanced Provisioning Techniques

• Complex Provisioning Scenarios
  • Multi-Step Provisioning with Multiple Provisioners
  • Conditional Provisioning Logic
  • Using External Sources for Provisioning Scripts and Configurations

14. Post-Processing Advanced Techniques

• Custom Post-Processors
  • Writing Custom Post-processors
  • Advanced Usage of Existing Post-processors
  • Chaining Multiple Post-processors for Complex Workflows

15. Template Modularity and Reusability

• Template Design Patterns
  • Breaking Down Templates into Reusable Components
  • Using Packer Template Includes and Data Sources
  • Management Strategies for Managing Large and Complex Templates

16. Enhanced Configuration

• Integrating with Configuration Management Tools
  • Advanced Ansible, Chef, Puppet, and Salt Integration
  • Using Dynamic Inventory and Packer-Generated Assets
  • Handling Secrets and Sensitive Data with HashiCorp Vault

17. Debugging and Optimization

• Advanced Debugging Techniques
  • Deep Dive into Packer’s Logging and Debug Options
  • Profiling and Performance Tuning for Packer Builds
  • Optimizing Image Build Times and Resource Usage

18. Security and Compliance

• Security Best Practices
  • Hardening Packer Templates and Images
  • Incorporating Security Scanning Tools (e.g., HashiCorp Sentinel, OpenSCAP)
  • Ensuring Compliance with Industry Standards

19. Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Environments

• Cross-Cloud Management
  • Image Building and Managing Images Across Multiple Cloud Providers
  • Using Packer in Hybrid Cloud Scenarios
  • Cross-Cloud Networking and Interoperability

20. Integration with Other Tools

• Advanced CI/CD Integration
  • Automating Packer Builds with Advanced CI/CD Pipelines
  • Integrating with Terraform for Infrastructure Provisioning
  • Using Consul for Service Discovery and Configuration

21. Performance Tuning and Cost Management

• Efficient Resource Utilization
  • Strategies for Cost-Effective Image Building
  • Using Spot Instances and Other Cost-Saving Techniques
  • Monitoring and Optimizing Resource Usage