What is StackStorm?

StackStorm is an open-source automation platform designed to manage and execute automated workflows, known as ‘packs’. It provides a flexible and extensible framework for integrating various tools and services, allowing users to automate complex tasks and processes. StackStorm’s architecture is based on a microservices model, which enables it to scale and adapt to different environments.

At its core, StackStorm is a workflow engine that can be triggered by various events, such as schedule, webhooks, or sensor data. It supports multiple languages, including Python, JavaScript, and PowerShell, making it a versatile choice for automating diverse tasks. StackStorm’s community-driven approach has led to the development of numerous packs, which can be easily installed and used to automate various tasks.

Main Features of StackStorm

Some of the key features of StackStorm include:

• Workflow Engine: StackStorm’s workflow engine is capable of executing complex workflows, including conditional logic, loops, and error handling.
• Pack Management: StackStorm provides a robust pack management system, which allows users to easily install, update, and manage packs.
• Event-Driven Automation: StackStorm can be triggered by various events, such as schedule, webhooks, or sensor data, making it an ideal choice for automating tasks in real-time.
• Multi-Language Support: StackStorm supports multiple languages, including Python, JavaScript, and PowerShell, making it a versatile choice for automating diverse tasks.

Why Tasks Hang in Production

When tasks hang in production, it can be a major problem, leading to delays, lost productivity, and even revenue loss. There are several reasons why tasks may hang in production, including:

Causes of Task Hangs

Some common causes of task hangs include:

• Inadequate Resource Allocation: Insufficient resources, such as CPU, memory, or I/O, can cause tasks to hang or slow down.
• Incorrect Configuration: Incorrect configuration of task settings, such as timeout or retries, can lead to task hangs.
• External Dependencies: Tasks that rely on external dependencies, such as APIs or services, can hang if these dependencies are unavailable or slow.
• Buggy Code: Poorly written code or bugs in the task can cause it to hang or crash.

Secure Secrets Handling with Key Rotation and Encryption

Secure secrets handling is critical in any automation platform, as it helps protect sensitive information, such as passwords, API keys, and certificates. StackStorm provides robust secrets handling features, including key rotation and encryption.

Key Rotation and Encryption

StackStorm’s secrets handling features include:

• Key Rotation: StackStorm allows users to rotate keys on a scheduled basis, ensuring that sensitive information is updated regularly.
• Encryption: StackStorm encrypts sensitive information, such as passwords and API keys, using secure encryption algorithms.

Download StackStorm Free

StackStorm is an open-source platform, which means that it can be downloaded and used for free. The platform is available on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.

System Requirements

Before downloading and installing StackStorm, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

• Operating System: Linux, Windows, or macOS
• CPU: 2 GHz or higher
• Memory: 4 GB or higher
• Storage: 10 GB or higher

StackStorm vs Jenkins

StackStorm and Jenkins are both popular automation platforms, but they have distinct differences. While Jenkins is primarily focused on continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD), StackStorm is a more general-purpose automation platform.

Comparison of Features

Repositories and Rollback Strategy

StackStorm supports artifact repositories, which allow users to store and manage artifacts, such as files, images, and binaries. The platform also provides a robust rollback strategy, which enables users to easily recover from errors or failures.

Artifact Repositories

StackStorm’s artifact repositories provide the following features:

• Artifact Storage: StackStorm allows users to store artifacts, such as files, images, and binaries.
• Artifact Management: StackStorm provides a robust artifact management system, which allows users to easily manage and update artifacts.

Rollback Strategy

StackStorm’s rollback strategy provides the following features:

• Recovery Testing: StackStorm allows users to test recovery scenarios, ensuring that the platform can recover from errors or failures.
• Offline Copies: StackStorm provides offline copies of artifacts, which can be used to recover from errors or failures.