HashiCorp Packer allows users to create identical, cross-platform machine images by writing templates that leverage our existing infrastructure tools. Before we can get started using Packer, however, we have to install it. In this hands-on lab, we’ll do just that.
Learning Objectives
Successfully complete this lab by achieving the following learning objectives:
- Locate the Download File
On the HashiCorp Packer download page, locate the link for previous versions of Packer.
Once on the right page, find the proper
zipfile for Packer 1.5.5 on Linux (AMD). It will follow this directory tree:├── packer │ ├── packer_1.5.5 │ │ ├── packer_1.5.5_linux_amd64.zipCopy the location of the zip file, and then switch to the command line.
- Download and Expand the File
Download the file:
curl https://releases.hashicorp.com/packer/1.5.5/packer_1.5.5_linux_amd64.zip -o packer.zipExpand the file:
unzip packer.zip
- “Install” Packer
The quotes were a hint! We don’t have to install Packer, so much as just move the binary:
sudo mv packer /usr/bin/packerConfirm by running
packer --versionand, optionally, clean up your work:packer --versionrm packer.zip
