Learn Packer - 1 Code Examples & CST Typing Practice Test
Packer is an open-source tool from HashiCorp that automates the creation of machine images for multiple platforms from a single configuration.
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Learn PACKER with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 27, 2025
Code Sample Descriptions
Simple Packer Template
# packer/demo/ubuntu-ami.pkr.hcl
packer {
required_plugins {
amazon = {
source = "hashicorp/amazon"
version = "~> 1.0"
}
}
}
source "amazon-ebs" "ubuntu" {
ami_name = "packer-example-{{timestamp}}"
instance_type = "t2.micro"
region = "us-east-1"
source_ami_filter {
filters = { name = "ubuntu/images/hvm-ssd/ubuntu-focal-20.04-amd64-server-*", virtualization-type = "hvm" }
owners = ["099720109477"]
most_recent = true
}
}
build {
sources = ["source.amazon-ebs.ubuntu"]
provisioner "shell" {
inline = [
"sudo apt-get update",
"sudo apt-get install -y nginx"
]
}
}
A simple Packer HCL template to create an Ubuntu AWS AMI with Nginx installed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Packer
What is Packer?
Packer is an open-source tool from HashiCorp that automates the creation of machine images for multiple platforms from a single configuration.
What are the primary use cases for Packer?
Building machine images for multiple cloud providers. Creating immutable infrastructure artifacts. Automating OS and application provisioning. Integrating with CI/CD pipelines for image builds. Ensuring reproducible infrastructure environments
What are the strengths of Packer?
Reproducible machine images across environments. Supports multiple cloud and virtualization platforms. Integrates with popular configuration management tools. Enables immutable infrastructure practices. Simplifies CI/CD integration for image pipelines
What are the limitations of Packer?
Requires knowledge of cloud provider specifics. Provisioners can increase build time. Debugging image builds may be tricky. Not a runtime configuration tool; only builds images. Templates can become complex for multi-platform builds
How can I practice Packer typing speed?
CodeSpeedTest offers 1+ real Packer code examples for typing practice. You can measure your WPM, track accuracy, and improve your coding speed with guided exercises.