Overview

The 3.1.x release of the CircleCI Runner Container-Agent has been designated the GOAT (General Orchestration AgenT) release due to a few major changes to the internal orchestration logic.

Key Improvements in 3.1.x

1. Reduced Dependency on Kubernetes' exec API:

• The 3.0.x version relied heavily on Kubernetes' exec API for executing operations within pods. This dependency often introduced performance bottlenecks and limited scalability for Kubernetes orchestration.

2. Enhanced Stability and Performance:

• Version 3.1.x minimizes reliance on this API, significantly enhancing the Runner’s stability and performance. This change allows for more efficient operations, faster job executions, and a streamlined experience across environments.

3. Broader Compatibility and Flexibility:

• By reducing the dependency on specific Kubernetes features, 3.1.x offers broader compatibility with diverse infrastructure setups, making it more adaptable for varying CI/CD workflows.

Conclusion

The 3.1.x release stands out as the superior choice for users aiming for optimal CircleCI Runner performance. The GOAT release provides a more robust, efficient, and flexible CI/CD experience. For further details on upgrading and taking advantage of these features, please refer to CircleCI’s release notes.

Additional Resources

• Does Container Runner support SSH Debugging?
• Retrieve Logs on a Container Runner
• Container Runner Performance Benchmarks