In the world of Azure DevOps, pipeline conditions play a crucial role in streamlining your CI/CD workflows. One often overlooked gem is the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition, which can revolutionize the way you manage your pipeline runs. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of pipeline conditions, explore the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to harness its power.
The Importance of Pipeline Conditions
Pipeline conditions allow you to control the execution of your pipeline based on specific criteria. By setting conditions, you can ensure that your pipeline runs only when necessary, reducing unnecessary runs and conserving resources. In a typical pipeline, you might want to run a specific stage only when a pull request is triggered or when a specific branch is updated.
Common Pipeline Conditions
Before diving into the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition, let’s take a look at some common pipeline conditions:
eq(variables['Build.SourceBranch'], 'refs/heads/main'): Triggers the pipeline when the source branch is the main branch.eq(variables['Build.Reason'], 'PullRequest'): Triggers the pipeline when a pull request is created or updated.contains(variables['Build.SourceBranch'], 'feature/'): Triggers the pipeline when the source branch starts with “feature/”.
Introducing resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch
The resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition is a powerful pipeline condition that allows you to trigger a pipeline stage based on the source branch of the pipeline. This condition is particularly useful when you need to run a specific stage only for a certain branch or set of branches.
Syntax and Usage
The syntax for the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition is as follows:
trigger:
stages:
- stage: Build
condition: eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/main')
jobs:
- job: Build
steps:
- task: Bash@3
displayName: 'Run script'
inputs:
command: 'mkdir'
workingDirectory: '$(System.DefaultWorkingDirectory)'
args: '-p $(System.ArtifactsDirectory)/myfolder'
In this example, the pipeline will trigger the “Build” stage only when the source branch is the main branch.
Using resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch in Stage Run Condition
You can also use the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition in a stage run condition. This allows you to run a specific stage only when a certain branch is updated.
stages:
- stage: Build
condition: eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/feature/*')
jobs:
- job: Build
steps:
- task: Bash@3
displayName: 'Run script'
inputs:
command: 'mkdir'
workingDirectory: '$(System.DefaultWorkingDirectory)'
args: '-p $(System.ArtifactsDirectory)/myfolder'
In this example, the “Build” stage will only run when the source branch starts with “refs/heads/feature/”.
Advanced Usage and Scenarios
The resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition can be used in a variety of scenarios, including:
Multi-Branch Pipelines
In a multi-branch pipeline, you might want to run a specific stage only for certain branches. For example, you might want to run a deployment stage only for the main branch and a feature branch.
stages:
- stage: Deploy
condition: or(eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/main'), eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/feature/new-feature'))
jobs:
- job: Deploy
steps:
- task: AzureRmWebAppDeployment@4
displayName: 'Deploy to Azure'
inputs:
azureSubscription: $(azureSubscription)
appName: $(webAppName)
package: $(System.ArtifactsDirectory)/$(webAppName).zip
Dynamic Branch Names
You can also use the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition with dynamic branch names. For example, you might want to run a stage only for branches that start with “refs/heads/feature/PR-“
stages:
- stage: Build
condition: startsWith(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/feature/PR-')
jobs:
- job: Build
steps:
- task: Bash@3
displayName: 'Run script'
inputs:
command: 'mkdir'
workingDirectory: '$(System.DefaultWorkingDirectory)'
args: '-p $(System.ArtifactsDirectory)/myfolder'
Troubleshooting and Best Practices
When working with pipeline conditions, it’s essential to keep the following best practices in mind:
- Use clear and descriptive condition names to avoid confusion.
- Avoid using complex condition logic to keep your pipeline easy to read and maintain.
- Test your pipeline conditions thoroughly to ensure they’re working as expected.
If you encounter any issues with your pipeline conditions, check the Azure DevOps pipeline logs for errors and debugging information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition is a powerful tool in your Azure DevOps pipeline arsenal. By mastering this condition, you can create more efficient and targeted pipelines that run only when necessary. Remember to keep your conditions clear and concise, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the Azure DevOps community for support.
Happy pipeline-ing!
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/main') |
Triggers the pipeline when the source branch is the main branch. |
eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/feature/*') |
Triggers the pipeline when the source branch starts with “refs/heads/feature/”. |
or(eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/main'), eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/feature/new-feature')) |
Triggers the pipeline when the source branch is either the main branch or the feature/new-feature branch. |
By incorporating the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition into your pipeline, you’ll be able to create more efficient and targeted workflows. Remember to stay creative and experiment with different conditions to unlock the full potential of your Azure DevOps pipeline.
FAQs
Q: What is the syntax for the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition?
A: The syntax is eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, 'refs/heads/, where
Q: Can I use the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition in a stage run condition?
A: Yes, you can use the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition in a stage run condition to control the execution of a specific stage.
Q: How do I troubleshoot pipeline condition issues?
A: Check the Azure DevOps pipeline logs for errors and debugging information. You can also try simplifying your condition logic and testing individual conditions to identify the issue.
Q: Can I use the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition with dynamic branch names?
A: Yes, you can use the resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch condition with dynamic branch names using the startsWith or contains functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the lowdown on using resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch in stage run conditions!
What is resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, and why do I need it?
Resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch is a predefined Azure DevOps variable that retrieves the source branch of the pipeline. You need it to specify the branch that triggered the pipeline run, allowing you to define custom run conditions based on the branch. Think of it as a way to add branch-specific logic to your pipeline!
How do I use resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch in a stage run condition?
To use resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch in a stage run condition, simply reference it in the condition expression. For example, you can use an equality check to run a stage only when the source branch is ‘main’: `and(eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, ‘main’))`. Easy peasy!
Can I use resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch with other conditions?
Absolutely! You can combine resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch with other conditions using logical operators like `and`, `or`, and `not`. This allows you to create complex run conditions that cater to your pipeline’s specific needs. For instance, you might want to run a stage only when the source branch is ‘main’ and a specific variable is set: `and(eq(resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch, ‘main’), eq(variables.isStaging, true))`. The possibilities are endless!
What happens if I don’t specify a source branch in my pipeline?
If you don’t specify a source branch in your pipeline, resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch will default to the branch that triggered the pipeline run. However, if you’re using a multi-branch pipeline, it’s essential to specify the source branch to ensure that the correct branch is used. Don’t leave it to chance!
Can I use resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch in a deployment job?
Yes, you can use resources.pipeline.pipeline.sourceBranch in a deployment job. However, keep in mind that the source branch is determined when the pipeline is triggered, so it might not reflect the branch that’s being deployed to. If you need to access the target branch of the deployment, consider using a different variable or approach. Be deployment-savvy!
