Packaging Resources
A text translation service with caching was built in the previous section. This section will use those resources to create Microstack that can be replicated, shared, scaled horizontally, and much more.
Start by opening the Create dialog. Click Library, followed by + Create Microstack.
Select workspace
This interface looks just like the one used to deploy Microstacks. Only here, the resources and details can be filled in.
Start by choosing the workspace where the relevant resources reside in.
Resources
It is at this point that the resources necessary are chosen to be included in the new Microstack.
The demonstration use-case required the translation_cache table and the google-translator function.
Table options
When Include existing data is checked, the data currently in the table will also be packaged in the Microstack, as opposed to just the names, column types, and relations.
Function options
Creating a function resource and selecting the google-translator function will display various options:
Variables
The variables section shows all of the environmental variables that were created for this function. The Hint will be displayed to users deploying the Microstack. This textbox is typically used to detail what value should be passed. In this case, the Hint could be something like:
A valid Google Cloud Translation API key, available in the APIs & services section of your Google Cloud account.
info
When deploying multiple functions with a common environmental variable, the next step will give the ability to mark it as being global. This means that the deployer will only need to definite once, and it will be copied to each attached function.
Configuration
Make sure the Include schema check box is checked to package the schema that was created for this route.
Microstack Details
In this step, the visibility of the Microstack can be defined. A public Microstack can be shared via link and will appear in Library. A private Microstack will only appear in your account and can be shared with others via email.
This step directs you to fill out the details of the new Microstack. These details include:
- Microstack name
- Description
- Tags
- Header image
- Visibility
The only ones required are Microstack name and Visibility. The Google Translator stack details may look as follows:
Click Next
Launch
Congrats, you just successfully launched a Microstack. It will now appear in Library.
tip
A good practice after creating a new Microstace is to create a new workspace and re-deploy a replica of the service.
Share
To share a Microstack, hover over the card and click the Share icon.
Public Microstacks can be shared via link, while private Microstacks can only be shared directly via email.
info
When sharing a Microstack via email, the invitee must be signed-in with that email. They can create an account if they don't have one yet.
For the invitee, the Microstack will also appear in their Library when Shared with me is selected.