Setting Up CI/CD Pipelines for a NestJS Application Using GitHub Actions

Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) are essential practices in modern software development. They enable developers to automate the process of integrating code changes and deploying applications swiftly and reliably. In this article, we will delve into how to set up CI/CD pipelines for a NestJS application using GitHub Actions.

What is CI/CD?

Continuous Integration (CI)

CI is the practice of automatically testing and integrating code changes into a shared repository. This helps in identifying bugs quickly and ensuring that the software is always in a deployable state.

Continuous Deployment (CD)

CD is the practice of automatically deploying every change that passes the CI process to production. This ensures that users always have access to the latest features and fixes without manual intervention.

Why Use GitHub Actions for CI/CD?

GitHub Actions is a powerful tool that allows you to automate software workflows directly in your GitHub repository. Here are some key benefits:

• Seamless Integration: Works directly with your GitHub repository.
• Flexibility: Supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, including NestJS.
• Custom Workflows: Allows you to create custom workflows based on events in your repository.
• Community Support: A vast library of pre-built actions is available, making it easier to get started.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• A GitHub account.
• A NestJS application set up and pushed to a GitHub repository.
• Basic knowledge of GitHub and NestJS.

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up CI/CD for NestJS with GitHub Actions

Step 1: Create a GitHub Actions Workflow

1. Navigate to Your Repository: Go to your NestJS application repository on GitHub.
2. Create a Directory for Workflows: In your repository, create a new folder named .github/workflows/.
3. Create a New Workflow File: Inside the workflows folder, create a new file named ci-cd.yml.

Step 2: Define the Workflow

Open the ci-cd.yml file and define your workflow. Below is an example configuration:

name: CI/CD Pipeline

on:
  push:
    branches:
      - main
  pull_request:
    branches:
      - main

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest

    steps:
      - name: Checkout code
        uses: actions/checkout@v2

      - name: Set up Node.js
        uses: actions/setup-node@v2
        with:
          node-version: '14'

      - name: Install dependencies
        run: npm install

      - name: Run tests
        run: npm run test

      - name: Build the application
        run: npm run build

Explanation of the Workflow

• name: The name of the workflow.
• on: Specifies the events that trigger the workflow. In this case, it runs on pushes and pull requests to the main branch.
• jobs: Defines the jobs to be executed.
• build: The job that runs on the latest Ubuntu environment.
• steps: A series of commands to execute:
• Checkout code: Retrieves your repository's code.
• Set up Node.js: Installs the specified Node.js version.
• Install dependencies: Installs project dependencies.
• Run tests: Executes tests defined in your project.
• Build the application: Compiles the NestJS application.

Step 3: Add Deployment Steps

To deploy your application, you need to extend your workflow. Here’s how you can add deployment steps to a cloud service like Heroku:

      - name: Deploy to Heroku
        env:
          HEROKU_API_KEY: ${{ secrets.HEROKU_API_KEY }}
        run: |
          git remote add heroku https://git.heroku.com/<your-heroku-app>.git
          git push heroku main

• HEROKU_API_KEY: Make sure to add your Heroku API key in the GitHub repository secrets for security. This prevents exposing sensitive information.

Step 4: Testing Your Workflow

1. Push Changes to GitHub: Make any change to your NestJS application and push it to the main branch.
2. Monitor the Actions Tab: Navigate to the "Actions" tab in your GitHub repository to see your workflow running.
3. Check Results: Ensure that each step in the workflow completes successfully.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Setting up CI/CD pipelines can sometimes lead to issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Node.js Version Mismatch: Ensure that your local Node.js version matches the version specified in your GitHub Actions workflow.
• Failed Tests: If tests fail, check the logs to identify the issue. Running the same tests locally can help troubleshoot.
• Deployment Errors: Review the deployment logs for errors. Ensure that your Heroku app is properly configured and that the API key is correct.

Conclusion

Setting up a CI/CD pipeline for your NestJS application using GitHub Actions can significantly enhance your development workflow. By automating the integration and deployment processes, you can focus more on writing code and less on manual tasks. This guide provides a solid foundation for implementing CI/CD in your NestJS projects, ensuring that you deliver high-quality software efficiently.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can streamline your development process and enjoy the benefits of continuous integration and deployment. Happy coding!