WebLogic Patching Roadmap: Beginner to Expert
1. Understand WebLogic Architecture
Explanation: Learn about Admin Server, Managed Servers, domains, clusters, nodes, and how they interact.
2. Install Oracle WebLogic Server
Explanation: Install WebLogic 12c or 14c on a Linux environment with the correct JDK.
Commands:
java -jar fmw_12.2.1.3.0_wls.jar
3. Understand Oracle Support & Patch Types
Explanation: Learn different patch types (PSU, CPU, Interim) and how to search patches on My Oracle Support.
4. Get Familiar with the OPatch Tool
Explanation: Learn to use OPatch: check inventory and prepare for patching.
Commands:
opatch lsinventory
5. Download Patches from MOS
Explanation: Learn to search, validate, and download the correct patch versions.
6. Backup Before Patching
Explanation: Always back up DOMAIN_HOME, MW_HOME, and Oracle Home before patching.
Commands:
tar -czvf domain_backup.tar.gz $DOMAIN_HOME
7. Apply a Basic Interim Patch
Explanation: Extract the patch and apply it using OPatch.
Commands:
opatch apply /path/to/patch
opatch lsinventory
8. Understand WebLogic Directory Structure
Explanation: Explore ORACLE_HOME, WL_HOME, and DOMAIN_HOME directories.
9. Rollback a Patch
Explanation: Use OPatch rollback to revert changes.
Commands:
opatch rollback -id <patch_id>
10. Practice Full Patch Cycle
Explanation: Setup a local lab and simulate patching end-to-end.
WebLogic Patching Roadmap: Beginner to Expert
11. Setup a Clustered Domain
Explanation: Configure Admin and Managed servers for clustered environment.
12. Apply Patch on Clustered Domain
Explanation: Use rolling patch or full downtime approach.
Commands:
opatch apply /path/to/patch
13. Automate Patching with Scripts
Explanation: Use shell scripts to automate backup and patch processes.
14. Understand Zero Downtime Concepts
Explanation: Use session replication, rolling restart, and service migration.
15. Work with PSU/CPU Patches
Explanation: Apply quarterly CPU/PSU patches.
16. Patch Web Server Plugins
Explanation: Update plugins such as for OHS if used.
17. Patch Coherence/FMW Components
Explanation: Learn how to patch WebLogic Coherence and FMW components.
18. Legacy Patching (Smart Update)
Explanation: Understand older methods of patching with Smart Update.
19. Security Patch Planning
Explanation: Follow a quarterly schedule and align with IT security policies.
20. Create Patch Impact Reports
Explanation: Document changes, inventory, and impact before and after patching.
Commands:
opatch lsinventory
21. Automate Patching with Ansible
Explanation: Use Ansible playbooks for consistent patching across servers.
22. Integrate with CI/CD
Explanation: Integrate patching with Jenkins pipelines for automation.
WebLogic Patching Roadmap: Beginner to Expert
23. Troubleshoot Patch Failures
Explanation: Analyze logs and fix OPatch errors.
24. Create Custom Rollout Plans
Explanation: Plan Dev, QA, Pre-prod, and Prod patch cycles.
25. WLST to Validate Impact
Explanation: Use WLST scripts to validate Managed Server health.
Commands:
connect('user','pass','t3://host:port')
state('ManagedServer1')
disconnect()
26. Patch in OCI or Exalogic
Explanation: Understand patching specifics for OCI or Exalogic environments.
27. Merge One-Offs with PSUs
Explanation: Handle patch conflicts via merging.
28. Maintain Patch Repository
Explanation: Track all applied patches and logs for audits.
29. Plan Quarterly CPU Updates
Explanation: Ensure CPUs are applied and logged on time.
30. Document and Train Others
Explanation: Create SOPs and train the team on patching standards.
