Overview

Class Central Tips

Nomad, a flexible scheduler and workload orchestrator, allows organizations to deploy and manage any containerized or legacy application using a single, unified workflow. This course introduces Nomad's key features, including container orchestration, service discovery, and multi-cloud deployment. You'll learn to: - Install and configure Nomad, set up a cluster, and integrate it with HashiCorp tools like Consul and Vault. - Deploy and manage applications on Nomad across platforms, as well as scheduling, resource allocation, and rollouts. - Using the UI, you'll create job specifications, run your first Nomad job, and manage and monitor the environment and application logs. - Create a rotating gossip encryption key and upgrade Nomad. Troubleshooting and debugging in production are included. By the end, you'll be proficient in using Nomad to automate workflows. The course, ideal for software engineers, system administrators, and DevOps professionals, requires basic Linux OS, command-line, cloud computing, and containerization knowledge. Prior experience with tools like Docker, Kubernetes, or HashiCorp Vault is recommended.

Syllabus

Introduction to Nomad

In this module, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to Nomad, starting with its fundamental concepts and purpose. We will delve into the key components that constitute Nomad, explore its architecture, and highlight how it operates. Finally, we will compare Nomad to Kubernetes, emphasizing the unique features and commonalities between the two platforms.

Deploying Nomad

In this module, we will guide you through the process of deploying Nomad across various platforms, including macOS, Linux, and Windows. We will demonstrate how to get Nomad running and start its services. You will learn how to set up a Nomad server cluster, add clients to the cluster, and manage the cluster members effectively. Hands-on demos will provide practical insights and experience with each step.

Securing Nomad

In this module, we will delve into various methods for securing Nomad deployments. You will learn to implement TLS for secure communication and apply gossip encryption for safe data exchanges within the Nomad cluster. Additionally, we will cover the configuration and management of access control lists (ACLs) to regulate permissions and enhance overall security. Practical demos will provide hands-on experience with these security measures.

Interacting with Nomad

In this module, we will focus on the various ways to interact with Nomad. You will learn how to effectively use the Nomad CLI to manage tasks and deployments. We will also explore the Nomad UI, providing guidance on monitoring and controlling your environments. Additionally, you will gain insights into the Nomad API, enabling programmatic interactions and automation. Hands-on demos will accompany each method to enhance your practical understanding.

Working with Nomad Jobs

In this module, we will dive into the creation and execution of Nomad jobs. You will learn to define and create job specifications, followed by executing these jobs within your Nomad cluster. We will also cover the analysis and troubleshooting of job executions to ensure smooth operations. Practical demos will provide step-by-step guidance on creating and running your first Nomad job.

Expanding on Nomad Jobs

In this module, we will build on your knowledge of Nomad jobs by exploring advanced topics and configurations. You will learn how to optimize job placement strategies to make efficient use of resources, implement job constraints to control job scheduling and resource allocation, and configure networking settings for your jobs. Additionally, we will cover working with volumes to manage the storage needs of your jobs. Practical demos will provide detailed guidance on each of these advanced topics.

Managing Nomad Environments (Day 2 Ops)

In this module, we will focus on day-two operations for managing Nomad environments. You will learn to monitor the Nomad environment and analyze application logs to ensure optimal performance and effective troubleshooting. We will cover the process of rotating gossip encryption keys to maintain security and demonstrate how to upgrade Nomad to newer versions. Through practical demos, you will gain hands-on experience with each of these critical maintenance tasks.