AWS CICD Pipeline for Node.js

In the ever-evolving landscape of web development, building robust and scalable applications is crucial for success. NestJS, a popular TypeScript framework, empowers developers to create API-driven microservices architecture with ease. However, when it comes to scaling your application beyond your local environment, a reliable and efficient cloud solution becomes essential. This is where AWS Cloud steps in, offering a comprehensive set of services designed to meet your application’s deployment needs.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of deploying your NestJS application on AWS Cloud. We’ll explore the benefits of utilizing AWS Cloud for NestJS deployments, delve into the necessary prerequisites, and provide detailed instructions on configuring key AWS services like CodePipeline and CodeBuild.

Understanding NestJS and AWS Cloud:

What is NestJS?

NestJS, built on top of TypeScript, is a Node.js framework that facilitates the development of scalable and efficient server-side applications. Its modular design and out-of-the-box features, like dependency injection and testing utilities, enhance developer productivity and promote clean code practices.

Why AWS Cloud for NestJS Deployment?

Here’s why AWS Cloud stands out as the ideal platform for deploying your NestJS applications:

• Scalability and Flexibility: Easily adapt your application’s resources to meet fluctuating demands, ensuring smooth operation during peak traffic periods.
• Cost-Effectiveness: With a pay-as-you-go model, you only pay for the resources you use, eliminating unnecessary upfront costs for hardware infrastructure.
• Reliability and Security: Built-in security features, coupled with robust infrastructure, guarantee exceptional uptime and data protection for your application.
• Wide Range of Services and Tools: Leverage the vast ecosystem of AWS services to enhance your deployment process and application functionality.

Prerequisites:

Before embarking on the deployment journey, ensure you have the following:

• AWS Account: Sign up for a free AWS account to access the necessary services.
• NestJS Application: Have your NestJS application code readily available.
• Docker: Download and install Docker, a tool for containerizing applications.
• Code Editor: Choose your preferred code editor for working with your codebase.

Step-by-Step Deployment Guide:

1. Creating a Dockerfile:

A Dockerfile serves as a set of instructions for building a Docker image, encapsulating your application alongside its dependencies. Utilize a Multi-stage Dockerfile specifically designed for NestJS applications to create an optimized and efficient image.

2. Pushing Code to GitHub:

Version control systems like Git offer efficient code management and collaboration. Consider pushing your NestJS application code to a GitHub repository for easy access and version control. This step also integrates with AWS services seamlessly.

3. Setting Up AWS Services:

a) Creating an ECR Repository:

Amazon Elastic Container Registry (ECR) functions as a secure storage facility for your Docker images within AWS. Follow these concise steps to create an ECR repository:

1. Log into the AWS Management Console and navigate to the ECR service.
2. Click on “Create repository” and provide a descriptive name for your repository.
3. Review the details and click “Create.”

b) Creating a CodePipeline:

CodePipeline automates the deployment process, streamlining the flow from code changes to a fully deployed application. Here’s how to create a CodePipeline:

1. Navigate to the AWS CodePipeline service in the Management Console.
2. Click “Create pipeline” and choose “Give a name to your pipeline.”
3. Select “Create pipeline.”
4. Follow the CodePipeline wizard, choosing “GitHub” as the source provider and linking your repository ( make sure to select the branch you want to deploy).

4. Setting Up CodePipeline (Continued):

a) Configuring CodePipeline Stages:

• Source Stage: Connect your GitHub repository to the CodePipeline source stage by providing your repository details and authentication. Refer to the relevant AWS documentation for detailed instructions.

• Build Stage: CodeBuild, an AWS service, manages the build stage. If you don’t have an existing CodeBuild project, create one within the pipeline wizard.

• Deploy Stage (Optional): This stage will be configured later after a successful build is obtained.

b) Creating a buildspec.yml file:

The buildspec.yml file serves as an instruction manual for CodeBuild, dictating the build process. Utilize the provided resource to understand the configuration details and environmental variables required for your NestJS application. Creating buildspec.yml is a seperate topic. I have described it in “Creating a Buildspec.yml file for Deploying a NestJS ( or NodeJs)Application to AWS ECS”. It has comprehensive guidance to create buildspec.yml

c) Completing the Build Stage:

1. After creating the buildspec.yml file and pushing your code with it to your GitHub repository, the CodePipeline will automatically start the build stage.
2. In the build stage, you can monitor the logs to track the progress of the Docker image creation process.
3. Upon successful completion of the build stage, a newly built Docker image will be available in your previously created ECR repository.

5. Deploying the Application (ECS, Task Definition, Service, and Load Balancer):

While this guide focuses on the initial setup and build process, further steps are required to deploy your application to production. These subsequent steps involve:

• Creating an ECS Cluster: An Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS) cluster serves as the hosting environment for your containerized application.

• Defining a Task Definition: This defines the configuration for your application container, specifying details like the Docker image and resource requirements. A detailed guideline for creating Task Definition is available on Task Definition: The Blueprint for Docker Deployments on AWS
• Creating an ECS Service: This launches and maintains a specified number of instances of your application container within the ECS cluster. A detailed guideline for launching ECS is available on How to Create an ECS Service from a Task Definition
• Configuring a Load Balancer: An Application Load Balancer distributes incoming traffic across your application instances, ensuring scalability and high availability. By default the load balancer gives http link. Now let’s add a https listener for the load balancer and get a https link. For that you need to have a ssl certificate for your domain. You can find the detailed information of creating ssl certificate from “Configuring HTTPS and Alternate Domain Names on AWS”. Then go to the LoadBalancer service in AWS and click on add new listener.

Now it is time to complete the CodePipeline with Deploy stage

• Click on “Edit” button in the pipeline and add new stage after the Build stage
• Add a new group and choose the ECS as the deployment provider.

• Then select the correct cluster and service and save everithing.

Additional Considerations:

• Security: Implement robust security practices throughout the deployment process, such as using IAM roles for least privilege and securing your ECR repository access.
• Continuous Integration and Delivery (CI/CD): Leverage CodePipeline to create a CI/CD pipeline, automating deployments and ensuring consistent, reliable releases.
• Monitoring: Utilize CloudWatch to monitor your application’s performance and health after deployment.

By following these steps and considering these additional points, you can successfully deploy your NestJS application on AWS Cloud, leveraging its scalability, security, and cost-efficiency advantages. Remember to refer to the official AWS documentation and resources for detailed instructions and code examples specific to your chosen deployment approach.