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Using Startup Scripts on Google Compute Engine

In this hands-on lab, we will practice using startup scripts to create customized Compute Engine instances. We will use both a direct insert and cloud storage-supplied methods.

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 30m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 26, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Create a Compute Engine instance using direct input startup script.

    1. Go to top-left menu - Compute Engine

    • Make sure you are using a default Debian instance (should be default)

    • Under Firewall, place a check in Allow HTTP traffic

    • Expand the Management sub-menu

    • Under Automation - Startup script box, copy and paste the following commands:

      	apt update

      	apt install -y apache2

      	cat <<EOF > /var/www/html/index.html
	<html><body>
	<h2>Welcome to your custom website.</h2>
	<h3>Created with a direct input startup script!</h3>
	</body></html>
	EOF
    1. Click Create

    After the instance is up, give it an additional minute as it is updating the repositories, installing Apache, and editing the Apache index file in the background. Click on the external IP address and you should be presented with your custom website.

  2. Challenge

    Create a Compute Engine instance and link to a Cloud Storage object for startup script

    1. Go to top-left menu - Compute Engine
    • Make sure you are using a default Debian instance (should be default)
    • Under Firewall, place a check in Allow HTTP traffic
    • Expand the Management sub-menu
    • Under Automation - Metadata, add the following key/value pair in the respective boxes:
      • key: startup-script-url
      • value: gs://acg-gcp-course-exercise-scripts/startup-script.sh
    • Click Create

    After the instance is up, give it an additional minute as it is updating the repositories, installing Apache, and editing the Apache index file in the background. Click on the external IP address and you should be presented with your custom website.

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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.

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