Setting Up Your First AWS CodeCommit Repository: A Complete Guide

Introduction

AWS CodeCommit is a crucial first step in building a modern CI/CD pipeline. In this guide, we'll walk through setting up your first CodeCommit repository and connecting it to your local development environment. This is Day 1 of our 4-day journey into AWS CI/CD pipeline creation.

What is AWS CodeCommit?

AWS CodeCommit is a version control service hosted by AWS that you can use to privately store and manage assets (such as documents, source code, and binary files) in the cloud. Key benefits include:

• Fully managed service with high availability

• Seamless integration with other AWS services

• Enhanced security with encryption and access controls

• Unlimited repository storage

• No size limits on repositories or files

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have:

• An AWS account with administrative access

• Git installed on your local machine

• AWS CLI installed and configured

• Basic familiarity with Git commands

Step-by-Step Implementation

Part 1: Creating a CodeCommit Repository

1. Log into the AWS Management Console

2. Navigate to CodeCommit service:

   • Use the search bar at the top and type "CodeCommit"

   • Or find it under "Developer Tools" in the services menu

3. Create a new repository:

    # Using AWS Console:
    Click "Create repository"
    Enter repository name: "my-first-repo"
    Add description (optional)
    Click "Create"
   
    # Alternatively, using AWS CLI:
    aws codecommit create-repository --repository-name my-first-repo --repository-description "My first CodeCommit repo"
   

Part 2: Setting Up IAM Git Credentials

1. Navigate to IAM in AWS Console:

   • Click on your username in the top right

   • Select "Security credentials"

2. Set up Git credentials:

    # In IAM console:
    Scroll to "HTTPS Git credentials for AWS CodeCommit"
    Click "Generate credentials"
    Download or copy your credentials
   

3. Configure Git credentials locally:

    git config --global credential.helper '!aws codecommit credential-helper $@'
    git config --global credential.UseHttpPath true
   

Part 3: Cloning the Repository

1. Get the repository URL:

    # In CodeCommit console:
    Select your repository
    Click "Clone URL" -> "Clone HTTPS"
   

2. Clone the repository:

    git clone https://git-codecommit.REGION.amazonaws.com/v1/repos/my-first-repo
    cd my-first-repo
   

Part 4: Making Your First Commit

1. Create a new file:

    echo "# My First CodeCommit Repository" > README.md
   

2. Stage and commit the file:

    git add README.md
    git commit -m "Initial commit: Added README"
   

3. Push to CodeCommit:

    git push origin main
   

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Authentication Failed

   • Verify your Git credentials are correctly configured

   • Ensure your IAM user has appropriate CodeCommit permissions

    # Test credentials
    aws codecommit list-repositories

2. Unable to Clone Repository

   • Check if your AWS region is correct in the clone URL

   • Verify your AWS CLI configuration

    aws configure list

Best Practices

1. Security

   • Regularly rotate your Git credentials

   • Use least-privilege IAM policies

   • Enable AWS CloudTrail for audit logging

2. Repository Management

   • Use meaningful repository names

   • Maintain a clear README

   • Implement branching strategies early

Next Steps

Now that you have your CodeCommit repository set up, you're ready to:

• Set up branch policies

• Configure notifications

• Integrate with other AWS services

• Start building your CI/CD pipeline

Conclusion

You've successfully set up your first AWS CodeCommit repository! This is the foundation for your AWS-based CI/CD pipeline. In the next part of our series, we'll explore how to integrate this with AWS CodeBuild to automate your build process.

Remember: CodeCommit is just the first step in your CI/CD journey. Keep your repository organized and well-documented as you build upon it in the coming days.