How to Run Multiple AWS CodePipelines in Order Using Step Functions

Learn how to effectively manage the sequential execution of multiple AWS CodePipelines using AWS Lambda and Step Functions.
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How to Run Multiple AWS CodePipelines in Order Using Step Functions

Managing AWS CodePipelines can be a tricky task, especially when you want to control the order of execution dynamically based on specific conditions. In this post, we'll walk through a solution for running multiple AWS CodePipelines in a specific sequence, all determined by an AWS Lambda function. Let's dive into the problem you might face and how to effectively solve it.

The Problem

Imagine you have an AWS environment with three different CodePipelines: P1, P2, and P3. You want these pipelines to run in a specific sequence based on the output of a Lambda function. The challenge is that:

Each CodePipeline must complete successfully before the next one begins.

The sequence can vary; you might want to run them as follows:

P1 P2 P3

P3 P2 P1

P2 P3 P1

The Challenge with Lambda Timeout

At first, you might consider using your Lambda function itself to initiate these pipelines. However, AWS Lambda has a maximum execution time limit of 15 minutes. Given that the total execution time for all the pipelines can exceed this limit, relying solely on the Lambda function wouldn't work. Additionally, since the execution sequence is dynamic, using a shared resource like an S3 file for communication isn't feasible either.

The Solution: Introducing Step Functions

To effectively manage the sequential execution of these pipelines according to the logic defined in your Lambda function, you can utilize AWS Step Functions. Here’s how to implement this solution step-by-step:

Step 1: Setting Up AWS Step Functions

Create a State Machine: In AWS Step Functions, create a state machine that will orchestrate the execution of your CodePipelines.

Define States: For each pipeline, define a state in your state machine that will trigger the execution of the corresponding CodePipeline.

Step 2: Executing the Order of Pipelines

Pass Parameters: Your Lambda function should pass the necessary parameters to the Step Function. This could include the desired sequence or identifiers for each pipeline.

Dynamic Path Selection: Based on the parameters passed, configure the Step Function to take different paths (or states) that correspond to the specific order of pipeline execution dictated by your Lambda function.

Step 3: Implementing Wait and Status Checks

Wait Mechanism: Include a 'wait' mechanism in your state machine. This ensures that the Step Function waits until one pipeline execution is complete.

GetPipelineExecution: Use the GetPipelineExecution call to check the status of the currently running pipeline. Only proceed to the next pipeline if the previous one has succeeded.

Example Configuration

A simplified configuration for the Step Function could look similar to this:

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Conclusion

Using AWS Step Functions allows you to gracefully manage multiple CodePipelines in a desired sequence, handling dynamic input from a Lambda function, without falling into the execution time limits of Lambda. This approach ensures that each pipeline is completed successfully before moving on to the next one, thereby maintaining the integrity of your deployment process.

Remember, careful configuration and testing are key to ensuring your Step Function behaves exactly as expected. Hope this helps someone in the future!