Cold Build Recovery: Goals And Discussion

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Cold Build Recovery: Goals and Discussion

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the crucial topic of cold build recovery. In this article, we'll break down the goals, scope, and success criteria for restoring our standard Hedgehog Lab OVA pipeline. This is super important because it ensures we can consistently produce, validate, and distribute a trustworthy artifact. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Goal: Restoring the Standard OVA Pipeline

Our primary goal here is to restore the standard (cold) Hedgehog Lab OVA pipeline. This means we want to get back to a state where we can reliably produce, validate, and distribute a trustworthy artifact. Think of it like this: we're rebuilding the foundation so we can build awesome things on top of it. The current situation isn't ideal, and we need a solid process to ensure quality and consistency. This involves several key steps, from fixing broken automation scripts to setting up a robust AWS-backed workflow. Let's explore why this is so critical.

Why is This Important?

You might be wondering, why is this such a big deal? Well, there are several compelling reasons. First off, we currently don't have a working OVA. That's right, despite our documentation claiming success, no OVA exists anywhere (as highlighted in #64). This is a major issue because it means we can't deliver the software in a standard, expected format. Secondly, our local hardware and GitHub runners just can't handle the build requirements. They're not beefy enough, and we need a more scalable solution. Thirdly, our AWS automation is currently focused on pre-warmed builds, which are broken, and doesn't address the standard cold builds we need. Finally, our CI (Continuous Integration) system never actually tests real builds or runtime validation. It's like having a car that looks great but you never actually drive it – you don't know if it works until it's too late. We need to fix these underlying issues to get back on track. Addressing these challenges ensures that we can deliver reliable software, maintain trust with our stakeholders, and improve our development processes.

Scope: What We Need to Do

So, what exactly needs to be done? The scope of this recovery effort is quite broad, covering documentation, automation, infrastructure, and testing. First, we need to update our documentation and communication to give stakeholders a clear picture of our current status. No more sugar-coating – let's be transparent about where we are. Next, we need to fix the automation and test scripts that are currently blocking us, such as issues with DynamoDB JSON and the build validation writer. We also need to set up an AWS-backed workflow that's sized appropriately for the standard build (aiming for a cost of <= $8 per run with automatic cleanup). This involves creating build guardrail tooling, like launch scripts and cost/time caps, as well as setting up SNS/DynamoDB reporting. Ensuring the integrity of our artifacts is crucial, so every artifact must have checksum and validation JSON stored in S3. We need to teach our CI system to trigger and monitor the remote build instead of pretending to build on GitHub runners. Finally, we need to define a manual acceptance hand-off process so leadership can personally verify the build before release. This comprehensive approach ensures that we cover all bases and deliver a robust solution.

Success Criteria: How We'll Know We've Succeeded

Okay, so how will we know when we've successfully recovered our cold builds? We need clear success criteria to measure our progress and ensure we're on the right track. Firstly, we need at least one standard OVA built on AWS, uploaded to S3 with a checksum and validation report. This is the core deliverable – a tangible sign that we've achieved our primary goal. Secondly, build and validation logs should be accessible via DynamoDB/SNS pointers. This ensures that we have traceability and can easily debug any issues. Thirdly, our README and release notes need to reflect reality, with no more fake download links. Transparency is key to maintaining trust. Fourthly, our CI system should fail if the remote builder fails or if no validation report is produced. This ensures that we catch issues early in the process. Lastly, work on pre-warmed builds will remain paused until this epic is closed. This helps us focus our efforts and avoid spreading ourselves too thin. These criteria provide a clear roadmap for success and help us stay accountable.

Key Success Metrics

To recap, here are the key success metrics we'll be tracking:

  • At least one standard OVA built on AWS: This proves our build process is functional.
  • Build + validation logs accessible: Ensures traceability and debugging.
  • README/release notes are accurate: Maintains transparency.
  • CI fails on remote builder failure: Catches issues early.
  • Pre-warmed work paused: Focuses our efforts.

These metrics will guide our work and help us measure our progress towards a successful recovery.

Related Efforts and Blocked Epics

It's important to understand how this cold build recovery effort fits into the bigger picture. This initiative is closely related to the crisis report #64, which highlighted the severity of the current situation. Additionally, this epic directly impacts existing epics #38 (pre-warmed builds) and #39 (distribution), which will remain blocked until this recovery is complete. Think of it like this: we need to fix the foundation before we can build the walls and roof. Addressing the cold build recovery is the critical first step in restoring our overall build and release pipeline. Understanding these relationships helps us prioritize our work and see the interconnectedness of our efforts.

Impact on Other Epics

  • Crisis report #64: This report underscores the urgency of the situation and provides valuable context for the recovery effort.
  • Epic #38 (pre-warmed builds): Work on pre-warmed builds is paused until we stabilize the cold build process.
  • Epic #39 (distribution): We can't effectively distribute artifacts until we can reliably build them.

By recognizing these dependencies, we can better coordinate our efforts and ensure a smooth recovery process.

Documentation and Communication

One of the first steps in our recovery process is to update our documentation and communication channels. It's crucial that all stakeholders have an accurate understanding of the current situation. This means no more misleading statements or outdated information. We need to be transparent about the challenges we're facing and the steps we're taking to address them. This involves updating README files, release notes, and any other relevant documentation. Additionally, we need to communicate regularly with stakeholders, providing updates on our progress and any roadblocks we encounter. Clear and consistent communication is essential for maintaining trust and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Guys, let’s prioritize honesty and openness in our updates.

Key Communication Points

  • Acknowledge the current state: Be upfront about the issues we're facing.
  • Outline the recovery plan: Explain the steps we're taking to address the problems.
  • Provide regular updates: Keep stakeholders informed of our progress.
  • Be transparent about challenges: Don't hide roadblocks or setbacks.

By adhering to these principles, we can ensure that our communication is effective and builds confidence in our recovery efforts.

Automation and Test Scripts

A critical aspect of cold build recovery is fixing our automation and test scripts. Currently, we have issues with DynamoDB JSON and the build validation writer, which are preventing us from building and validating our OVAs effectively. This is like having a car with a broken engine – it's not going anywhere. We need to diagnose and repair these scripts to ensure they're functioning correctly. This involves debugging, rewriting code, and implementing robust testing procedures. By addressing these automation issues, we can streamline our build process, reduce manual effort, and improve the reliability of our builds. Let's roll up our sleeves and get these scripts working like a charm!

Common Automation Issues

  • DynamoDB JSON: Problems with how we're storing and retrieving data.
  • Build validation writer: Issues with generating validation reports.
  • Script errors: Bugs and errors in the automation code.

Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient build process.

AWS-Backed Workflow

To support our cold build recovery, we need a robust and scalable infrastructure. Our current local hardware and GitHub runners aren't cutting it, so we're turning to AWS. We need to set up an AWS-backed workflow that's sized appropriately for the standard build. Ideally, we're aiming for a cost of <= $8 per run, with automatic cleanup to prevent unnecessary expenses. This involves configuring virtual machines, setting up networking, and ensuring we have the necessary resources to handle the build process. Additionally, we'll be implementing build guardrail tooling, such as launch scripts and cost/time caps, to prevent runaway costs and ensure builds complete within a reasonable timeframe. This AWS-backed workflow will provide the foundation for our reliable cold build process. Setting this up correctly is like building a strong, stable platform for our software to stand on.

Key AWS Components

  • Virtual machines: Provisioning the necessary compute resources.
  • Networking: Configuring network access and security.
  • Automatic cleanup: Preventing unnecessary costs by cleaning up resources after builds.
  • Build guardrails: Implementing cost and time caps to prevent overruns.

These components will work together to create a scalable and cost-effective build environment.

Build Guardrail Tooling

To prevent cost overruns and ensure builds complete in a timely manner, we're implementing build guardrail tooling. This includes launch scripts, cost/time caps, and SNS/DynamoDB reporting. Launch scripts will help us standardize the build process and ensure builds are initiated correctly. Cost and time caps will prevent builds from running indefinitely or consuming excessive resources. SNS/DynamoDB reporting will provide visibility into build progress and any issues that arise. These guardrails are like safety nets, preventing potential problems and ensuring we stay within our budget and timelines. By implementing these measures, we can build with confidence and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Types of Guardrails

  • Launch scripts: Standardize the build process.
  • Cost/time caps: Prevent overruns and resource exhaustion.
  • SNS/DynamoDB reporting: Provide visibility and monitoring.

These guardrails are essential for maintaining control over the build process.

Artifact Integrity: Checksums and Validation JSON

Ensuring the integrity of our artifacts is paramount. To achieve this, every artifact must have a checksum and validation JSON stored in S3. Checksums provide a way to verify that the artifact hasn't been tampered with or corrupted during transfer. Validation JSON provides a detailed report of the build process and any validation tests that were performed. Storing this information in S3 ensures it's readily accessible and durable. This is like having a seal of approval on our artifacts, guaranteeing their authenticity and quality. By implementing these measures, we can build trust with our users and stakeholders.

Key Artifact Integrity Measures

  • Checksums: Verify artifact integrity.
  • Validation JSON: Provide a detailed build report.
  • S3 storage: Ensure accessibility and durability.

These measures work together to ensure the reliability of our artifacts.

CI Integration: Triggering and Monitoring Remote Builds

Our CI system needs to be smarter about how it handles builds. Currently, it pretends to build on GitHub runners, which isn't sufficient. We need to teach CI to trigger and monitor the remote build process on AWS. This involves integrating our CI system with the AWS-backed workflow we've set up. CI will initiate the build, monitor its progress, and collect logs and reports. If the remote builder fails or no validation report is produced, CI should fail the build. This integration ensures that our CI system accurately reflects the status of our builds and provides timely feedback to developers. Guys, this is how we ensure our CI system is a reliable source of truth.

CI Integration Steps

  • Trigger remote builds: Initiate builds on AWS.
  • Monitor build progress: Track the status of builds.
  • Collect logs and reports: Gather build information.
  • Fail on errors: Ensure CI reflects build failures.

These steps will create a seamless integration between our CI system and our build environment.

Manual Acceptance Hand-Off

Before releasing a new build, we need a manual acceptance hand-off process. This allows leadership to personally verify the build and ensure it meets our quality standards. This involves defining a clear set of criteria for acceptance, providing leadership with access to the build artifacts and validation reports, and establishing a formal approval process. This manual check is like a final quality control step, ensuring that only reliable builds are released to our users. By involving leadership in the acceptance process, we demonstrate our commitment to quality and accountability. This step ensures that we release only the best possible software.

Key Hand-Off Steps

  • Define acceptance criteria: Set clear quality standards.
  • Provide access to artifacts: Give leadership access to build outputs.
  • Establish approval process: Create a formal review and approval workflow.

These steps will ensure a smooth and effective manual acceptance process.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive overview of our cold build recovery efforts! We've covered the goals, scope, success criteria, and key steps involved in restoring our standard OVA pipeline. This is a critical initiative that will enable us to reliably produce, validate, and distribute our software. By focusing on documentation, automation, infrastructure, and testing, we can build a robust and scalable build process. Remember, transparency and communication are key to our success. Let's work together to achieve these goals and ensure the quality of our software! Guys, thank you for your attention and let’s make this happen!