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comparing self hosted runners with custom images and self hosted runners using github runner images

comparing self hosted runners with custom images and self hosted runners using github runner images 

 
When it comes to setting up a self-hosted runner for GitHub Actions, there are two main options: using a custom image or using one of the GitHub-provided runner images. In this post, we'll explore the pros and cons of each approach. 

 Custom images

A custom image is an image that you create and manage yourself. You can create a custom image from scratch or start with an existing image and customize it to meet your needs. Here are some advantages of using a custom image:

Greater control

With a custom image, you have complete control over the software and configuration on the runner. This means you can include any tools or dependencies you need for your workflows. You can also fine-tune the configuration of the runner to optimize performance or security.

Better security

By using a custom image, you can ensure that only trusted software is running on the runner. This can be particularly important if your workflows involve sensitive data or credentials. You can also take steps to harden the runner against attacks by disabling unnecessary services or configuring firewalls.

Consistency

Using a custom image ensures that the software and configuration on the runner are consistent across all your workflows. This can help reduce errors and make it easier to troubleshoot issues.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using custom images:

Maintenance

Creating and managing custom images can be time-consuming and requires expertise in system administration. You'll need to keep your images up-to-date with security patches and new releases of software.

Cost

Running your own runners can incur additional infrastructure and maintenance costs.

GitHub-provided runner images

GitHub provides a set of pre-configured runner images that you can use out of the box. These images are maintained by GitHub and include many popular programming languages, tools, and dependencies. Here are some advantages of using GitHub-provided runner images:

Ease of use

GitHub-provided runner images are easy to set up and require minimal configuration. You don't need to worry about installing software or configuring the runner.

Cost

Using GitHub-provided runner images can be a cost-effective option, as you don't need to maintain your own infrastructure.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using GitHub-provided runner images:

Limited control

With a GitHub-provided runner image, you have limited control over the software and configuration on the runner. If you need a specific tool or dependency that's not included in the image, you'll need to create a custom image.

Security

Using a pre-configured image means that you're relying on GitHub to maintain the security of the runner. If there's a vulnerability in the image, it could potentially affect all users of the image.

Conclusion

Both custom images and GitHub-provided runner images have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on your specific use case and needs. If you require greater control over the runner or need to include specialized tools or dependencies, a custom image may be the better option. If you're looking for ease of use and cost-effectiveness, a GitHub-provided runner image may be the way to go.

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