Automating Image Creation with HashiCorp Packer for DevOps - Using Environment Variables

The video tutorial explains how to use environment variables in Packer, especially for sensitive data like credentials. It covers setting environment variables, using them in Packer templates, and highlights default environment variables that Packer automatically sets. The tutorial concludes with a summary and introduces a Hands-on Labs exercise.

Why are environment variables a good solution for setting credentials in Packer?

• They are faster to process during builds.

• They allow sensitive information to be stored outside of code.

• They are easier to read than regular variables.

• They can only be used with AWS builds.

How does Packer read environment variables?

• In the form of VAR the_name.

• In the form of ENV the_name.

• In the form of PKR the_name.

• In the form of PKR var_the name.

What is the benefit of setting secret_key and access_key as environment variables in Packer?

• They can be reused across different templates.

• They are automatically encrypted by Packer.

• They prevent sensitive values from being hardcoded.

• They increase the build speed.

Which of the following is a default environment variable set by Packer?

• Packer BUILD_ID

• Packer HTTP://ADDR

• Packer TEMPLATE_PATH

• Packer VAR_NAME

What does the Packer build type environment variable indicate?

• The name of the build script.

• The type of machine being created.

• The version of Packer being used.

• The directory of the build files.