User Guide
Application Updates
Keep your applications secure and up-to-date with RepoCloud’s update system
Keeping Applications Updated
Maintaining up-to-date applications is crucial for security, performance, and accessing the latest features. RepoCloud simplifies this process with a one-click update system that allows you to easily keep your applications current while preserving your data and configurations.Regular updates are essential for maintaining the security, performance, and functionality of your applications. RepoCloud’s one-click update system makes this process simple and reliable.
RepoCloud’s Update Philosophy
RepoCloud maintains a repository of application templates that are regularly updated to include the latest stable versions of all applications in our marketplace. Our approach to updates prioritizes:Security
Security patches and fixes are prioritized in our update workflow
Stability
We deploy stable, tested versions rather than bleeding-edge releases
Data Preservation
Updates are designed to preserve existing data and configurations
Simplicity
The update process is user-friendly and requires minimal effort
The “Rebuild” Feature
The primary method for updating your applications on RepoCloud is through the “Rebuild” feature, which allows you to update your application to the latest version with a single click.How Rebuilding Works
1
Initiate Rebuild
RepoCloud rebuilds your application’s Docker image with the latest version
2
Preserve Data
Your application data stored in persistent volumes is preserved
3
Apply Configuration
Your custom configurations and environment variables are maintained
4
Restart Application
The application restarts with the updated image
The rebuild process typically takes just a few minutes, with minimal downtime during the restart.
Performing an Update
Updating your application is straightforward:1
Access Instance Management
Navigate to your application’s management page in the RepoCloud dashboard
2
Check Current Version
View the current version information displayed in the “Overview” section
3
Initiate Rebuild
Click the “Rebuild” button to start the update process
4
Confirm Action
Confirm the rebuild when prompted
5
Monitor Progress
A progress indicator will show the status of the update
Update Frequency
RepoCloud regularly updates application templates, but the frequency varies depending on the application:- Critical Security Updates: Applied as soon as they’re available
- Major Version Updates: Typically within 1-2 weeks of stable release
- Minor Updates: Incorporated into our templates on a regular schedule
While the rebuild process is designed to be safe, it’s always good practice to create a backup of critical data before performing any update.
What Gets Updated
When you rebuild an application, the following components are updated:- Application Code: The core application is updated to the latest stable version
- Dependencies: Associated libraries and dependencies are updated
- Base System: The underlying container system may be updated for security and performance
- Configuration: Default configurations may be updated to reflect best practices
- User Data: All user-generated content and database information
- Custom Configurations: Your environment variables and custom settings
- Domains: Any custom domains and SSL certificates remain configured
- User Accounts: Application user accounts and permissions
Major Version Updates
Sometimes, applications undergo significant changes between major versions that require special attention:Data Migration
Data Migration
Major version updates may include database schema changes that require data migration. RepoCloud attempts to handle these automatically, but some applications may require manual intervention.
Breaking Changes
Breaking Changes
Major updates can introduce breaking changes to APIs or features. Review the update notes carefully before proceeding with major version updates.
Plugin Compatibility
Plugin Compatibility
For applications that support plugins or extensions, major updates may affect compatibility. You may need to update or replace incompatible plugins after updating.
For applications with extensive customizations or critical business functions, consider testing the update in a separate instance before updating your production environment.
Troubleshooting Updates
If you encounter issues during or after an update:Failed Update
Failed Update
If an update fails to complete:
- Check the error message in the update logs
- Verify that your application has sufficient resources
- Attempt the rebuild again after a few minutes
- Contact support if the issue persists
Post-Update Issues
Post-Update Issues
If your application behaves unexpectedly after an update:
- Check application-specific logs for errors
- Verify that your custom configurations are still correctly applied
- Consider restoring from a backup if available
- For complex issues, consult the application’s documentation or contact support
Reverting Updates
Reverting Updates
RepoCloud does not provide a direct “rollback” feature, as updates often include important security patches. If you need to revert to a previous version:
- Restore from a backup if available
- Contact support for assistance with complex cases