> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://notes.kodekloud.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Course Introduction

> Learn to build custom machine images for cloud platforms using HashiCorp Packers workflow for immutable infrastructure in this comprehensive tutorial.

Welcome to this comprehensive HashiCorp Packer tutorial! I’m **Sanjeev Thiyagarajan**, and in this course you’ll learn how to build **custom machine images** for AWS, Azure, GCP, and more—using Packer’s powerful workflow for **immutable infrastructure**.

## Why Use Packer?

HashiCorp Packer automates the creation of machine images by “baking in” everything your servers need before launch:

* Install required packages and dependencies
* Copy and configure your application’s source code
* Apply system hardening and security settings

The result is a **fully configured**, **immutable image**. When you deploy instances from that image, they’re production-ready with zero additional setup.

<Callout icon="lightbulb" color="#1CB2FE">
  Before you begin, ensure you have:

  * An active cloud provider account (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP)
  * Your CLI configured for your target provider
  * Basic familiarity with JSON or HCL configuration files
</Callout>

## Course Outline

| Module                    | Topics Covered                                            |
| ------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1. Introduction to Packer | What is Packer?<br />Benefits of immutable machine images |
| 2. Builders               | AWS AMI, Azure VM Image, GCP Image                        |
| 3. Provisioners           | Shell scripts, Ansible, Chef, Puppet                      |
| 4. Post-Processors        | AMI registration, Docker export, artifact upload          |
| 5. Hands-On Demo          | Step-by-step AMI build with AWS                           |

<Frame>
  ![The image shows a person sitting in front of a microphone with a neon cloud and lightning decoration in the background. A text box on the left lists topics related to Packer, including builders, provisioners, and post processors.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752878649/notes-assets/images/HashiCorp-Packer-Course-Introduction/person-microphone-neon-cloud-topics.jpg)
</Frame>

## What You’ll Learn

* How to write Packer templates in HCL or JSON
* Best practices for reusable and maintainable image builds
* Integrating Packer with CI/CD pipelines
* Debugging build failures and optimizing performance

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to produce **production-ready AMIs** (and other images) that accelerate your deployments and standardize your infrastructure.

[Get started with the official Packer documentation](https://www.packer.io/docs) and let’s dive in!

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Watch Video" icon="video" cta="Learn more" href="https://learn.kodekloud.com/user/courses/hashicorp-packer/module/3c219c08-371e-4630-821e-64bbdff21701/lesson/7c7027ca-0174-4a59-8565-402ca8cb4e3b" />
</CardGroup>