Unlock the power of HashiCorp Packer to automate image creation for cloud and on-prem environments. This course provides a deep dive into Packer's architecture, installation, and workflow, giving you hands-on experience in building, configuring, and optimizing machine images across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and VMware.



Automating Image Creation with HashiCorp Packer for DevOps

Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Master Packer templates using HCL to automate image builds efficiently
Build cloud-agnostic images for AWS, Azure, GCP, and VMware with hands-on labs
Integrate Packer with Terraform, Vault, and CI/CD for seamless DevOps automation
Debug and optimize Packer builds with breakpoints, logging, and troubleshooting techniques
Details to know

Add to your LinkedIn profile
April 2025
10 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills


Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review

There are 10 modules in this course
In this module, we will introduce HashiCorp Packer, discussing its core functionalities, advantages, and potential drawbacks. You will gain an overview of the topics covered throughout the course and learn about other HashiCorp products that integrate with Packer.
What's included
1 video1 reading
In this module, we will explore HashiCorp Packer, its significance in modern cloud and containerized environments, and how organizations leverage it for efficient infrastructure management. We will cover its installation, core components, command-line usage, and workflow, with hands-on demonstrations for real-world application.
What's included
13 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will dive into writing Packer templates using HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL). We will explore the structure of Packer templates, migrate JSON templates to HCL2, and work with Packer's core components. Through hands-on labs, you'll gain practical experience in building and validating your own Packer templates.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will explore Packer builders, which are responsible for creating machine images. We will cover various builder types, including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and VMware, with hands-on demonstrations for each. Additionally, we will extend our knowledge by building images for different operating systems and deploying them across multiple clouds and regions.
What's included
10 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will explore the use of variables in Packer to make templates more dynamic and reusable. We will cover how to declare and use variables, work with environment variables, and integrate them into Packer templates. Through hands-on labs, you will practice creating flexible configurations using variables.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will explore Packer provisioners, which automate software installation and configuration on machine images. We will examine different provisioner types, their features, and how to control their execution. Through hands-on labs, you will integrate provisioners into your Packer templates to build fully configured images.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will explore post-processors in Packer, which allow additional modifications and automation after an image is built. We will cover different types of post-processors, including Docker import, Vagrant export, and Amazon AMI registration. Through hands-on practice, you will learn how to integrate post-processors into your Packer workflows.
What's included
3 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will explore best practices for organizing Packer code, ensuring scalability and maintainability. We will cover the use of modules, variables, and conditional logic to structure Packer templates effectively. Through hands-on labs, you will practice organizing Packer configurations and converting JSON templates to HCL format.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will focus on troubleshooting Packer builds using debugging tools and breakpoints. You will learn how to enable and interpret debug logs, use breakpoints to inspect the build process, and apply best practices for resolving errors. Hands-on labs will provide practical experience in debugging and refining Packer configurations.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
This section focuses on Packer integrations, how Packer can be used with other tools to create a complete build pipeline, and various integrations, such as using Packer with Ansible to automate VM images, or using Packer with Terraform to automate the creation of infrastructure.
What's included
5 videos2 assignments
Instructor

Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career




New to Software Development? Start here.

Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
More questions
Financial aid available,