CI/CD Workflow Fix: Resolving Unsubstituted Variables

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CI/CD Workflow Fix: Resolving Unsubstituted Variables

Hey guys! Ever stumble upon a pesky issue where your CI/CD workflows just won't run as expected? Well, you're not alone. I've been wrestling with a similar problem, and it all boils down to unsubstituted template variables in generated CI/CD workflows. Let's dive in and see how we can fix this and make our lives easier, shall we?

The Core Problem: Unsubstituted Variables

So, what's the deal with these unsubstituted template variables? Essentially, when a tool like a fast-setup script is supposed to generate your CI/CD workflow files, it's supposed to replace placeholders (like {{ package_name }}) with actual values. But, as you can guess, this isn't always happening. Instead, you end up with those {{ variable }} patterns still hanging around in your .github/workflows/test.yml or other workflow files. This is a real bummer because your CI/CD pipelines will fail until you manually step in and fix things. Talk about a headache!

For example, imagine your test.yml file is supposed to run pytest tests with coverage. The script should replace {{ package_name }} with your actual package name, say sap_verification_test_server. But, if the substitution fails, your test.yml might look something like this:

run: pytest --cov=src/{{ package_name }} --cov-report=xml

See the problem? Pytest is going to get confused, and your tests won't run. The impact is pretty significant. It's rated as a MEDIUM severity because it will break your CI/CD workflows until fixed, it requires you to manually intervene after the project is generated, it offers a poor out-of-the-box experience, and it defeats the value proposition of a fast-setup feature.

Deep Dive: The Root Cause

So, where does this problem come from? It all traces back to the template rendering logic in the create-model-mcp-server.py script. It seems the script isn't doing its job of properly substituting all the Jinja2 variables in the workflow templates. This means when the script generates the CI/CD files, it's not replacing those placeholder variables with the correct values. It's kind of like baking a cake and forgetting to add the sugar – the end result isn't quite right. This issue is a bug, and it needs to be addressed.

Proposed Fix: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and figure out how to fix this mess. Here's a plan of action that we can follow:

  1. Add a Validation Step: We need to add a step to the script to detect any unsubstituted variables. This would act as a safety net, so you will be notified quickly. Imagine a warning popping up when the script runs, so you can address the issue immediately. This is the first and most crucial step.
  2. Ensure Proper Substitution: Make sure all {{ variable }} patterns are replaced during the rendering process. This is the core fix. It means going back to the script and checking to make sure that the Jinja2 variables are being correctly processed.
  3. Implement Integration Tests: We need to add integration tests to catch template substitution failures. Think of it as putting the cake in the oven to ensure it bakes correctly. These tests will automatically check if the variables are being replaced correctly, so you don't have to manually check every time.
  4. Audit Workflow Templates: Do a full audit of all workflow templates for unsubstituted variables. This is like checking all your ingredients to make sure nothing is missing. This involves carefully examining all your workflow files to make sure everything is perfect.

Estimated Effort and Verification

The good news is that this should be a relatively quick fix. The estimated effort to address this issue is only about 20 minutes. It's a quick win that can have a big impact on your project's CI/CD pipeline.

This issue was identified during an SAP verification run and was noted in the docs/project-docs/verification/verification-runs/2025-11-08-13-14-fast-setup-l1/report.md. Furthermore, warnings during template rendering are also being noted. For example: ⚠️ src/sap_verification_test_server/mcp/__init__.py - Warning: Unsubstituted variables found.

The Broader Picture: Related Issues

It's important to know that this issue is part of a CONDITIONAL NO-GO decision for the fast-setup script L1 verification. This means that if this bug isn't fixed, it will prevent the fast-setup script from being fully verified. This is an important detail to keep in mind, as it stresses the importance of fixing this as quickly as possible. This highlights how critical a functioning CI/CD pipeline is to the project.

The Benefits: Why This Matters

Fixing this issue with unsubstituted variables is really important. Here's why:

  • Smoother Workflows: No more broken CI/CD pipelines due to missing variables.
  • Faster Setup: The 'fast-setup' script will actually work, letting you set up your project quicker.
  • Better Out-of-the-Box Experience: Users will have a better experience. They won't have to fix the generated files.
  • Reliable Automation: The CI/CD workflows will work as expected, automating tasks and saving time.

By fixing this bug, we can improve our development workflow and make sure our projects are set up correctly from the start. This is a small but important change that has a big impact.

Conclusion

So, in a nutshell, we've identified the problem, know where it stems from, have a plan to fix it, and understand why it matters. By following the proposed fix, we can ensure that our CI/CD workflows run smoothly and that our projects are set up correctly. Let's get to work and make those templates work as expected! Thanks for sticking around, guys. I hope this helps you too! I hope that by having a solid CI/CD pipeline, the development process will be a lot easier.