Everything You Need To Know – How To Deploy Firebase Functions Using GitHub Action?

DevOps
Deploy Firebase Function using GitHub Action

Introduction

Hey there! Let me tell you something about Firebase Functions, a super cool tool that helps developers write and deploy backend code without worrying about the infrastructure. But hey, as awesome as it sounds, manually deploying Firebase Functions can be a real bummer. It takes up time and is prone to errors, which can make you pull your hair out in frustration.

But fret not, my tech-savvy friends! The solution lies in GitHub Actions! With this awesome tool, you can now automate your Firebase Functions deployment process. Importantly, wave goodbye to those pesky errors and long waits. And the best part? You’ll have more time to catch up on your favorite shows and spend time with your friends.

In this tutorial, I will show you how to deploy your cloud functions using GitHub Actions. This approach will enable you to automate the deployment process. As a result, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring a seamless deployment experience.

Alright coders, before we begin our magical adventure of automating Firebase Functions deployment with GitHub Actions, let’s make sure you have everything you need.

Firstly, you’ll need a project with cloud functions that you want to deploy. We’ll be using Firebase Functions in this tutorial, but don’t worry if you’re using something else, the process is pretty similar. Secondly, you’ll need a basic understanding of GitHub Actions and how to set up a workflow. Importantly, I’ll guide you through this mystical process step-by-step!

The Challenge for Deploy Firebase Functions Using GitHub Actions

The developer team at the Madgical Techdom. was having a tough time with their Firebase Functions deployment process. Further, they had to do everything by hand, like configuring the Firebase CLI and typing in commands on the command line.

Now, it was taking forever and things were getting all sorts of mixed up! They were running into delays and making mistakes left and right! But then they had an idea, what if they automated the process? So, they set up a fancy workflow using GitHub Actions that did all the work for them!

Now, no more typing in commands or configuring anything, it was like magic! Also, they could even test their code before deploying it to make sure it was working perfectly! And guess what? It worked! Deployment was now a breeze and their code was running smoothly. Yay for automation!

The Solution for Deploying Firebase Functions Using GitHub Actions

Our DevOps team at Madgical Techdom decided to streamline the Firebase Functions deployment process by using GitHub Actions. So, I set up a workflow that automatically deployed their functions to Firebase when changes were pushed to their main branch.

The implementation of the solution was straightforward. Firstly, I created a YAML file in their repository’s “.github/workflows” directory, defining the workflow’s name, on, and job properties. Secondly, then I configured the required environment variables and dependencies to ensure that the workflow had everything it needed to deploy the functions.

Finally, once the configuration was complete, the team tested the workflow and ensured that the functions were deployed correctly.

So, let’s get started!

Prerequisites

Steps to Deploy Firebase Functions using GitHub Actions

1. Log into your Google Cloud Account.

2. Select your Firebase Project from the above dropdown.

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3. For creating a Service account click on the Navigation menu, then AMI and Admin, then Service accounts.

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4. Click on the CREATE SERVICE ACCOUNT button.

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5. Provide Service account details and click on CREATE AND CONTINUE button.

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6. Give your new Service Account the Cloud Functions Admin, Artifact Registry Writer, Firebase Authentication Viewer, and Service Account User roles, and click on the CONTINUE button.

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7. Click on the Done button.

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8. Click on the newly created Service Account, then Keys, then ADD KEY select Create new Key, select JSON and click on the CREATE button.

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9. Clone this repo.

git clone https://github.com/madgicaltechdom/automate-cloud-functions-deployment.git

10. Give your Google Service Account Key in firebase.json.

11. Create a Secret in GitHub named “FIREBASE_SERVICE_ACCOUNT” and provide your Google Service Account key on it.

12. Give your Firebase Project name in the .github/workflows/firebase-deploy.yml file in line no. 31.

13. Right now the workflow will run when anyone makes changes inside the function folder, if you want your workflow to run when anyone makes changes to any file then, comment line no. 7 and 8 in the .github/workflows/firebase-deploy.yml file so when you make the changes in the main branch the workflow will run.

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NOTE:- The above workflow is written according to my environment so if you are using it for your environment then you need to make changes in the workflow like function path, node version, Cache NPM modules key path, etc.

The Results

Madgical Techdom totally nailed it! With GitHub Actions, they transformed their deployment process from a marathon to a sprint. They slashed the deployment time from hours to just a few minutes, without any need for human intervention. That’s right, no more pesky errors or annoying delays!

And guess what? They even made sure that their code was super clean and functional before the big launch. How, you ask? By including fancy-schmancy linting and unit tests in their workflow! Plus, they now have a consistent deployment process that can be copied and pasted like a pro.

Now, they can sit back and relax, knowing that their code is safe and sound in the cloud. Way to go, Madgical Techdom! You sure know how to make a deployment process look easy peasy lemon squeezy!”

Conclusion

Listen up folks, here’s the deal: If you’re a tech team struggling to deploy your Firebase Functions, look no further than GitHub Actions! By automating your deployment process, you’ll save loads of time and avoid pesky errors.

Plus, with a standardized process that’s easy to replicate, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. And let’s not forget the added bonus of linting and unit tests to make sure your code is as clean as a whistle before deployment. So if you’re tired of pulling your hair out during deployment, give GitHub Actions a try and enjoy a hassle-free experience!

I hope this article proves beneficial to you. In case of any doubts or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comment section below.

References

The views are of the author and not necessarily endorsed by Madgical Techdom

One thought on “Everything You Need To Know – How To Deploy Firebase Functions Using GitHub Action?”

  1. Congratulations, Shubham, on your outstanding blog! Your dedication to providing valuable insights and empowering others is truly commendable. Keep up the phenomenal work, and may this accomplishment be the first of many as you continue to inspire and educate through your writing. 👏

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