Learn PACKER with Real Code Examples

Packer allows you to define infrastructure images as code using JSON or HCL templates.

Supports multiple builders like AWS AMI, Azure VM Image, GCP Image, VMware, and Docker.

Automates provisioning steps using provisioners like Shell, Ansible, Chef, or Puppet.

Enables consistent, reproducible, and versioned machine images.

Integrates with CI/CD pipelines for automated image builds and deployments.

Builders - define target platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP, VMware, Docker, etc.)

Provisioners - install and configure software on the image

Post-processors - compress, upload, or tag artifacts

Templates - JSON or HCL files defining the build

Variables - parameterize templates for flexibility

Builder - platform for image creation

Provisioner - software installation/configuration tool

Post-Processor - image manipulation or upload step

Template - configuration file defining build

Artifact - resulting machine image or container

Templates directory with JSON/HCL files

Scripts directory for shell or provisioner scripts

Variables files for reusable parameters

Artifact output directory

Documentation for builds

Define template with builders and provisioners

Parameterize with variables as needed

Run `packer validate` to check template syntax

Execute `packer build` to create images

Upload or distribute built artifacts via post-processors

Beginner: Build a single OS VM image

Intermediate: Add basic software provisioning

Advanced: Multi-cloud, multi-platform image builds

Expert: Integrate with CI/CD pipelines for automated image builds

Architect: Build and maintain reusable image templates across teams

Packer vs Terraform -> Packer builds images; Terraform deploys infrastructure

Packer vs Ansible -> Packer creates immutable images; Ansible configures live machines

Packer vs Dockerfile -> Dockerfile for containers, Packer for VM and container images

Packer vs Vagrant -> Packer builds images, Vagrant provisions dev environments

Packer vs Helm -> Packer builds OS/container images, Helm manages Kubernetes applications

2013 - Packer initial release by HashiCorp

2014 - First AWS, Azure, VMware support

2015 - Docker builder added

2018 - HCL2 template support

2023 - Latest Packer release with enhanced provisioner and builder features

Builder - target platform for image

Provisioner - software/configuration step

Post-Processor - artifact modification/upload

Template - configuration file for build

Artifact - resulting machine or container image