What Are Self-Hosted Runners?
A self-hosted runner is a server that you manage and configure to execute GitHub Actions workflows. Unlike GitHub-hosted runners that operate in the cloud, self-hosted runners give you complete control over the environment, allowing customization and optimization according to your specific needs.
Key Benefits:
Customization: Install specific tools, dependencies, and configurations unique to your project.
Performance: Leverage dedicated resources for faster execution times.
Cost Efficiency: Use your existing infrastructure or cloud resources to save on costs.
Flexibility: Handle workloads that require unique hardware or software setups, such as GPU-enabled tasks.
Why Use Self-Hosted Runners?
While GitHub’s hosted runners work well for many use cases, self-hosted runners shine in the following scenarios:
High Demand: When workflows demand more CPU, memory, or disk space than the shared runners can provide.
Specific Tools: When you need pre-installed tools, libraries, or dependencies that aren’t available in default runners.
Security & Compliance: For workflows requiring private environments, such as on-premise servers.
Cost Control: When running workflows extensively, hosting your runners can be more economical.
Practical Setup: Self-Hosted Runner on AWS EC2
Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a self-hosted runner on an AWS EC2 instance.
Step 1: Create an EC2 Instance
Launch EC2 Instance:
Choose an instance type (e.g., t2.medium for general use).
Select an appropriate AMI (Amazon Machine Image) like Ubuntu Server.
Configure Inbound and Outbound Rules:
Allow SSH access (port 22) to connect to the instance.
Open necessary ports for your workflow (e.g., port 443 for HTTPS).
Connect to Your Instance:
- Use SSH to log in to your instance.
Step 2: Set Up the Self-Hosted Runner
Run all the commands one by one in your ec2 instance
Step 3: Update Your Workflow File
Modify your workflow YAML file to use the self-hosted runner:
name: CI Workflow
on:
push:
branches:
- main
jobs:
build:
runs-on: self-hosted
steps:
- name: Checkout Code
uses: actions/checkout@v3
- name: Run Tests
run: npm test
Step 4: Run and Verify
Commit and push your changes to trigger the workflow.
Monitor the workflow execution in the GitHub Actions tab.
Confirm that the job is executed successfully using the self-hosted runner.
Wrapping Up
Self-hosted runners offer a powerful way to customize and optimize your GitHub Actions workflows. With complete control over the environment, you can run tasks that demand unique configurations or high performance. Setting up a self-hosted runner on an AWS EC2 instance is straightforward and provides flexibility for modern DevOps needs.
If you’ve set up your own self-hosted runner or have any questions, drop a comment below. Let’s discuss! 🚀