aws-codepipeline

Best Practices

• Use buildspec version 0.2 (current standard)
• Pin runtime versions explicitly (nodejs 20, python 3.12, etc.)
• Use phases correctly (install → pre_build → build → post_build)
• Cache dependency directories to speed up builds (node_modules, .pip, .m2)
• Use artifacts section to pass build outputs to subsequent pipeline stages
• Use reports section for test result integration with CodeBuild dashboard
• Use env.parameter-store or env.secrets-manager for sensitive values (never hardcode)
• Use env.variables for non-sensitive configuration
• For Docker builds, use ECR login with aws ecr get-login-password (not deprecated get-login)
• Generate imagedefinitions.json for ECS deployments in post_build
• Set appropriate build timeout and compute type for the project
• Use batch builds for parallel test execution across multiple configurations

Documentation Sources