Build runtime

Reference guide for the application build container environment.

The Build runtime is the environment Apps are built in.

Buildpack BuildsDocker Builds
System librariesProvided by the StackUser supplied
Network accessFull access through Envoy sidecarFull access through Envoy sidecar
File systemNo storageNo storage
Language runtimeProvided by the StackUser supplied
UserSpecified by the StackUser supplied
Isolation mechanismKubernetes PodKubernetes Pod
DNSProvided by KubernetesProvided by Kubernetes

Environment variables

Environment variables are injected into the Build at runtime. Variables are added based on the following order, where later values override earlier ones with the same name:

  1. Space (set by administrators)
  2. App (set by developers)
  3. System (set by Kf)

Kf provides the following system environment variables to Builds:

VariablePurpose
CF_INSTANCE_ADDRThe cluster-visible IP:PORT of the Build.
INSTANCE_GUIDAlias of CF_INSTANCE_GUID.
CF_INSTANCE_IPThe cluster-visible IP of the Build.
CF_INSTANCE_INTERNAL_IPAlias of CF_INSTANCE_IP
VCAP_APP_HOSTAlias of CF_INSTANCE_IP
CF_INSTANCE_PORTThe cluster-visible port of the Build.
LANGRequired by Buildpacks to ensure consistent script load order.
MEMORY_LIMITThe maximum amount of memory in MB the Build can consume.
VCAP_APPLICATIONA JSON structure containing App metadata.
VCAP_SERVICESA JSON structure specifying bound services.