AWS re:Invent 2020: Turbocharge your code builds with AWS CodeBuild

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to enhance your code builds using AWS CodeBuild. You'll learn about powerful features such as batch builds, code coverage reporting, build machine access through AWS Session Manager, integration with Amazon EFS, and build-level metrics. These enhancements can significantly improve your build processes and overall development workflow.

Step 1: Enable Batch Builds

Batch builds allow you to run multiple builds simultaneously, improving efficiency.

• Navigate to AWS CodeBuild Console: Log in to your AWS Management Console and go to the CodeBuild service.
• Create a Batch Build Project:
  • Click on "Create build project."
  • Configure your source provider (e.g., GitHub, AWS S3).
  • Under "Build specifications," choose to enable batch builds.
• Define Build Triggers: Set up triggers to run builds based on events (e.g., commits to a repository).
• Submit Batch Builds: Use the console or AWS CLI to start batch builds using the specified configuration.

Step 2: Implement Code Coverage Reporting

Code coverage reporting helps you understand how much of your code is tested.

• Integrate Coverage Tools: Choose a code coverage tool compatible with your programming language (e.g., Istanbul for JavaScript, JaCoCo for Java).
• Modify Build Spec File: Update your buildspec.yml to include commands for generating coverage reports.

  version: 0.2
  phases:
    build:
      commands:
        - npm install
        - npm run test -- --coverage
  artifacts:
    files:
      - coverage/**
  

• View Code Coverage Reports: After the build completes, access the generated coverage reports to analyze test coverage.

Step 3: Utilize AWS Session Manager for Build Machine Access

AWS Session Manager provides secure access to your build environment.

• Set Up IAM Roles: Ensure that your build project has the appropriate IAM roles to use Session Manager.
• Connect to Build Instance:
  • In the AWS Management Console, navigate to Systems Manager.
  • Choose "Session Manager" and start a new session with the build instance.
• Perform Build Debugging: Use this access to troubleshoot and debug your builds in real-time.

Step 4: Integrate with Amazon EFS

Amazon Elastic File System (EFS) allows your builds to share data easily.

• Create EFS File System: In the AWS console, create an EFS file system to store build artifacts.
• Mount EFS in Build Environment:
  • Update your build project configuration to mount the EFS file system.
  • In your buildspec.yml, specify the mount point.
• Use EFS for Artifacts: Store and retrieve build artifacts directly from EFS for faster access and sharing.

Step 5: Leverage Build-Level Metrics

Build-level metrics provide insights into your build performance.

• Enable Metrics Reporting: In the CodeBuild console, navigate to your build project settings and enable metrics reporting.
• Monitor Build Performance:
  • Use CloudWatch to visualize build metrics such as build duration and success rates.
  • Analyze metrics to identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement in your build process.

Conclusion

By implementing these features in AWS CodeBuild, you can significantly enhance your build processes. Batch builds optimize efficiency, code coverage reporting improves test quality, AWS Session Manager simplifies access, EFS enhances data sharing, and build-level metrics provide valuable insights. Start applying these enhancements to turbocharge your development workflow and improve your code builds. Explore the AWS documentation for deeper insights and best practices tailored to your specific use case.