Getting Started with Scaffolder

This guide will help you create and run your first Software Templates using the Portal Scaffolder.

Creating Your First Template

The Portal Scaffolder allows you to create templates directly in the UI without leaving Portal.

Choose Your Starting Point

When creating a new template, you have two options:

1. Create from a Premade Template: Start with an existing template as a base
2. Create from Scratch: Build a template from the ground up

Creating from a Premade Template

1. Navigate to Create Template: Click the create new template button
2. Select Source: Choose to create from a premade template

1. Save the template: Click on the save button

1. Preview the Template: Review the template structure and configuration

Editing Your Template

Once you have a template loaded, you can customize it using the Portal editor:

Configure Form Fields

1. Navigate to the form fields configuration section
2. View existing field configurations
3. Add new fields by clicking Append

4. Configure field properties:
   • Field type
   • Label and description
   • Validation rules
   • Default values

Add Actions

Actions define what the template does when executed.

1. Navigate to the actions section
2. Click to add a new action
3. Choose from available actions (e.g., catalog:register, github:create)

4. Configure action parameters

Use Extensions

Extensions provide additional functionality through data filters, functions, and custom values:

1. Navigate to the extensions section
2. Add filters to transform data
3. Define custom functions
4. Set up reusable values

Testing Your Template

Before publishing, test your template using the Dry Run feature:

1. Click Dry Run in the template editor

2. Fill in test values in the form
3. Click Test to simulate execution without creating resources

4. Review the output to verify expected behavior
5. The dry run shows what repository and resources would be created

Saving and Publishing

Save as Draft

• Click Save to save your changes as a draft
• Or click Download to download the template locally
• Draft templates can be edited further before publishing

Publish Template

1. When ready to make your template available, click Publish

2. The template will now appear in the templates list
3. Other users can now discover and run your template

Running Your First Template

Once you have published templates available, running them is straightforward.

1. Navigate to Templates: Go to the Scaffolder templates page in Portal
2. Select a Template: Browse available templates and click Run on the template you want to use

3. Fill in Details:
   • Select your organization from the dropdown
   • Enter the required information (e.g., repository name, description)
   • Review any additional configuration options

4. Review & Submit:
   • Click Review to verify your inputs

• Click Submit to execute the template

5. Monitor Progress:
   • View real-time logs as the template executes
   • Check the output section for created resources

• Once complete, you'll see confirmation of the created resources (e.g., repository, catalog entities)

Next Steps

• Learn more about template configuration and advanced features
• Explore the technical reference and FAQ