better tool folder management for dokku

[yochannah]

Currently we enter the docker container and npm install the tools: https://github.com/intermine/bluegenes/blob/dev/docs/tools/dokku-tool-installation.md

I have a feeling this might nuke the tools every time we redeploy. What is a better solution?

• Figure out how to specify a tools folder outside container? Will that allow updates to the external folder that automatically reapply to bluegenes? I think dokku allows us to link eternal volumes somehow
• script npm installing everyhing in the tool folder's package json, post-install. This has the advantage of being low effort, and we could still enter the container if we want to install a tool without redeploying bluegenes.
• other, smarter idea?

[josegonzalez]

If you use the nodejs buildpack and have a scripts.build key in your package.json, that will run during the build process. There are actually a few other script keys that are installed, though it might be easier to find some official documentation on the Heroku buildpack for your particular use-case.

Dokku supports persistent storage, though - by default - it is not mounted during the build process.

Hope that helps.