How do I add additional setup steps to services in Bitbucket Pipelines

[Haley Loyd]

I'm using Bitbucket Pipelines to run integration tests. I need to spin up a docker container to mimic the database so the tests can run. However, before I can run the tests, I need to add seed data to the database.

It seems like whether I add the mongo images as a service or add docker as a service, I still have to figure out a way to do the setup in the image from the script section of the default step, which is in a separate container.

That seems like a lot of unnecessary work, so my question is, is there an easier way? 

For example:

image: dotnet

pipelines:
  default:
    - step:
      services:
        - database
      script:
        - dotnet restore
        - dotnet build
        
definitions:
  services:
    database:
      image: mongo
      <it would be really nice if I could add setup steps here>
    

[Tom Bradshaw · Accepted solution]

Hey Haley,

At the moment it's not possible to run commands against a service. To get around this you'll probably have to construct a custom docker image. In this custom image you would be able to run a script to add the data you require as part of the docker build so you won't have to run anything as part of the build.

Can I also get you to add a feature request for running script commands against services at https://bitbucket.org/site/master/issues/ since this is an interesting feature that others might want as well.

If you have any questions let me know.

Cheers,
Tom

[Haley Loyd]

I created a feature request like you requested. Thank you for your answer, Tom!