Flyctl Builtins - The Fly Changelog for August

For the latest version of flyctl, we’ve focussed on making your life fast and simple. From getting your first deployment up and running to setting up a host’s certificate. Builtins First up, we’ve got the new “builtin” builders which you can select w

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Fly.io
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Dj Walker-Morgan
•5 min read•intermediate•
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Overview

The article discusses the latest updates in flyctl version 0.0.139, focusing on new builtin builders, smart certificate creation, and improved deployment features. It highlights how these changes simplify the deployment process for various programming languages and enhance user experience.

What You'll Learn

1

How to use builtin builders for Node, Ruby, Deno, and Go applications

2

How to deploy applications without a Dockerfile using flyctl

3

How to configure and manage backup regions for app deployment

4

How to create and manage certificates for your applications with guided instructions

5

How to utilize the new orgs and dns commands in flyctl

Key Questions Answered

What are the new features in flyctl version 0.0.139?
Flyctl version 0.0.139 introduces builtin builders for Node, Ruby, Deno, and Go, allowing users to deploy applications without needing a Dockerfile. It also enhances certificate creation with guided instructions and improves visibility on backup regions during deployment.
How can I list and view builtin builders in flyctl?
You can list all builtin builders by running the command 'flyctl builtins list'. To view details about a specific builtin, use 'flyctl builtins show <builtin-name>', which provides information including the virtual Dockerfile used.
What improvements have been made regarding backup regions in flyctl?
Flyctl now clearly communicates when an app is deployed in a backup region. The command 'flyctl regions list' shows both the primary and backup regions, while 'flyctl status' indicates which regions are backups with a '(b)' marker.
What is the process for creating certificates with flyctl?
The new version of flyctl provides guided documentation when adding a certificate for a hostname. It instructs users on the necessary DNS settings to verify ownership and direct traffic to their app, simplifying the certificate creation process.

Technologies & Tools

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Backend
Node
Used as one of the languages for which builtin builders are available.
Backend
Ruby
Used as one of the languages for which builtin builders are available.
Backend
Deno
Used as one of the languages for which builtin builders are available.
Backend
Go
Used as one of the languages for which builtin builders are available.
Containerization
Docker
Used in the context of deploying applications without needing a Dockerfile.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Utilize builtin builders to streamline your deployment process.
By selecting a builtin for your application's language during initialization, you can avoid the complexity of Dockerfiles, making it easier to get your app running quickly.
2
Leverage the guided certs feature for hassle-free certificate management.
This feature provides step-by-step instructions for DNS configuration, ensuring that you can successfully create and manage certificates without needing to reference external documentation.
3
Monitor your app's deployment regions effectively.
With the new visibility on backup regions, you can better understand where your app is deployed and troubleshoot any issues related to region availability.
4
Explore the new orgs and dns commands for better organization management.
These commands allow you to manage your organizations directly from the command line, enhancing your workflow and integration with the Fly platform.

Common Pitfalls

1
Failing to understand the implications of backup regions can lead to confusion during deployment.
Previously, users were unaware of when their app was deploying in a backup region, causing uncertainty. The new visibility features help mitigate this issue.