Lab
Cloud

Setting Up Packer

HashiCorp Packer allows users to create identical, cross-platform machine images by writing templates that leverage our existing infrastructure tools. Before we can get started using Packer, however, we have to install it. In this hands-on lab, we'll do just that.

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Path Info

Level

Beginner

Duration

10m

Last updated

Sep 01, 2025

Challenge

Locate the Download File
1. On the HashiCorp Packer download page, locate the link for previous versions of Packer.
2. Once on the right page, find the proper zip file for Packer 1.5.5 on Linux (AMD). It will follow this directory tree:
```
├── packer
│   ├──  packer_1.5.5
│   │    ├──  packer_1.5.5_linux_amd64.zip
```
3. Copy the location of the zip file, and then switch to the command line.

Challenge

Download and Expand the File

Download the file:

curl https://releases.hashicorp.com/packer/1.5.5/packer_1.5.5_linux_amd64.zip -o packer.zip

Expand the file:
```
unzip packer.zip
```

Challenge

"Install" Packer
1. The quotes were a hint! We don't have to install Packer, so much as just move the binary:
```
sudo mv packer /usr/bin/packer
```
2. Confirm by running packer --version and, optionally, clean up your work:
```
packer --version
```
```
rm packer.zip
```

Author

Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.

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