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This guide explains how to update your GCP runner to ensure you have the latest features, improvements, and security patches. There are three methods to update your runner: Follow the instructions in each section to keep your GCP runner up-to-date and running smoothly.

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Automatic Updates

The GCP runner includes a built-in update mechanism that automatically manages application updates. Here’s how it works:

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Update Check Process

  • The updater performs version checks periodically
  • During each check, the runner:
    • Queries the Ona API for the available version
    • Compares the current version with the available version
    • Verifies infrastructure version compatibility

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Update Eligibility

A runner is eligible for updates when:
  • It is on the stable channel
  • Auto-updates are enabled for the version
  • The infrastructure version matches the current runner’s infrastructure version
  • The available version is newer than the current version
  • The runner image is different from the currently running image

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Important Notes

  • Updates are non-disruptive to running workloads
  • Process is fully automated with no manual intervention needed
  • Failed updates don’t impact existing runner functionality
  • Runner maintains configuration and credentials through updates
Tip: View the current version of the runner on the runner card under Settings > Runners.

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Updating Infrastructure

Certain updates, particularly those involving significant infrastructural changes, cannot be applied automatically. Follow these steps to apply updates:
  1. Navigate to your Terraform configuration directory: 
    cd gitpod-gcp-terraform
  2. Fetch the latest version of the Terraform module from GitHub: 
    git fetch origin
git pull origin main
    Alternatively, you can download the latest release from the GitHub repository.
  3. Re-initialize Terraform to update any provider or module dependencies: 
    terraform init -upgrade
  4. Review the planned changes before applying: 
    terraform plan -out=tfplan
    Carefully review the output for:
    • New resources being created
    • Resources being modified or replaced
    • Any unexpected deletions
  5. Apply the updates: 
    terraform apply tfplan
  6. Verify the runner status in the Ona dashboard under Settings > Runners to confirm the update was successful.