Although AWS appstream is renamed to Workspaces application, I think appstream is a cool name, I kept using it while writing this, I mean i don’t care its my note, except you can read this.
Introduction
AppStream images are built from Image Builder instances where administrators manually log in and configure the environment. Once the setup is complete, they use Image Assistant to define the stack, catalog, optimization options, and finally build the image. This manual workflow is fragile; hard to reproduce, error-prone, and unsuitable for predictable outcomes. Automation is necessary.
Scripting the environment
Image Builders can be configured using scripts, provided you can access the instance and run commands. This can be done via WinRM, SSM Automation, or even through Active Directory–based control. These approaches work, but they are only part of the solution.
The configuration chaos
As configuration grows - stack catalogs, third-party software, files, session scripts, the setup becomes messy. Ad-hoc PowerShell scripts pile up, changes become risky, and only a few people understand the setup. The result is a fragile, hard-to-maintain codebase.
Streamlining the chaos
Infrastructure images are not built by running random scripts. Docker uses Dockerfiles. AMIs use Packer. AppStream lacks an equivalent. What’s needed is a declarative, single-file definition that clearly describes what an AppStream image should contain and how it should be built.
Appstreamfile
This led to Appstreamfile: a single file to define and build AppStream images. Think of it as a Dockerfile, but for AppStream. You describe the desired state once, and the image becomes reproducible and maintainable.
AppStream may not be widely adopted, but solving problems like this is exactly what I enjoy. Appstreamfile is my attempt to bring structure and clarity to AppStream image creation.