Achieving 100% ‘Ready-to-Code’ Availability with Hexnode Self-Healing

For a global enterprise, developer downtime caused by broken local environments (e.g., Docker crashes, corrupted system paths) is a critical cost driver. This framework operationalizes autonomous endpoint self-remediation by leveraging Hexnode UEM’s Custom Scripting engine. By chaining Dynamic Groups (The Detector) with Genie-authored Scripts (The Enforcer), the system creates a continuous “Self-Healing” loop that ensures developer tools remain in a “Ready-to-Code” state on macOS and Linux without manual IT intervention.

The Hexnode Self-Healing Architecture

Hexnode’s self-healing operates as a closed-loop system where the device’s own state triggers the necessary repair through the portal.

• The Detector (Dynamic Groups): The Hexnode UEM Agent (HLA/HMA) monitors device attributes and compliance status. When a device deviates from the “Ready-to-Code” state, it is automatically moved into a pre-configured Dynamic Group.
• The Enforcer: A remediation configuration (policy-based on macOS, action/automation-based on Linux) containing the repair payload is associated with the Dynamic Group. When a device enters the group, the remediation mechanism becomes active based on its configured trigger.
• The Remediation (Hexnode Genie): Uses AI-generated scripts to perform localized repairs (e.g., restarting Docker, fixing $PATH) that are delivered through Scripts policy (macOS) or Execute Custom Script action(Linux).

The “Working State” Health Checks

The Self-Healing Loop proactively identifies and corrects failures across three primary categories:

1. Container Runtime Health (Docker/Podman)

• Trigger: The Docker daemon is not responding to a docker info query, or the local socket is inaccessible.
• Hexnode Logic: A scheduled Custom Script identifies if the failure is due to a hung process, exhausted disk space, or configuration drift in /etc/docker/daemon.json.

2. Environment & Toolchain Integrity

• Trigger: Mandatory binaries (e.g., git, python3, kubectl) are missing from the shell path or have been superseded by incompatible versions.
• Hexnode Logic: The Hexnode Agent executes a diagnostic script to inspect .bashrc or .zshrc integrity and verify that corporate-mandated symlinks are intact.

3. IDE & Plugin Stability

• Trigger: High crash frequency of VS Code or IntelliJ IDEA, or the absence of mandatory security plugins (e.g., Snyk or SonarLint).
• Hexnode Logic: Scripts identify corrupted plugin caches. Required Apps (macOS/Linux) are used to force-install or repair missing extensions silently.

Execution Logic: The 4-Phase Response

Phase 1: Deep Diagnostic (SENSE)

The Hexnode Agent (HLA/HMA) identifies that a core service is down through a “Detector” script.

• Hexnode Workflow: A scheduled Custom Script runs locally. It doesn’t just check if a process is running; it queries the service (e.g., docker info).
• Signaling: If the service fails, the script output can be used to update a Custom Attribute or triggers a Non-Compliant status. This automatically sucks the device into a Dynamic Group (the “Trap”).

Phase 2: Dependency Verification (THINK)

Before the repair is enforced, the orchestrator (via the logic in the remediation script) checks for blockers to avoid “fixing” a device that has a physical limitation.

• Disk Check: The script checks if the failure is a byproduct of Critical Disk Space. If so, it triggers a docker system prune instead of a service restart.
• Network Check: Hexnode verifies if the device is “Offline” or “Roaming” (via Network Usage reports) to prevent failed registry syncs during repair.

Phase 3: Targeted Remediation (ACT)

Hexnode dispatches a context-aware Hexnode Genie AI Bash Script for near-instant execution.

• Service Reset: The script restarts the daemon (e.g., systemctl restart docker) with inherited environment variables.
• Link Restoration: The script re-applies corporate standard $PATH variables and symlinks to the user’s .zshrc or .bashrc.
• Enforcement: This is handled via Script Policy (macOS) and Execute Custom Script action (Linux) associated with the Dynamic Group.

Phase 4: Productivity Handshake (VERIFY)

The Hexnode Agent performs a final verification check to ensure the “Ready-to-Code” state is restored.

• Compliance Update: Once the script confirms the service is active, the device’s status is updated. It leaves the Dynamic Group, which removes the remediation policy.
• User Notification: A message is sent via Broadcast Message action: “IT noticed your Docker service was unresponsive and has performed an automated restart. You are ready to go.”

Scale Impact & ROI (500k Fleet)

Power-User Governance & Safety Rails

• “Experimental” Opt-out: Developers can apply a [HEXNODE_IGNORE_SHELL] tag. The repair script is coded to exit if this tag is found.
• Interactive Mode: Configure the script to “Ask Before Fixing” via an interactive prompt.
• Audit Trail: Every autonomous action is logged in Hexnode Audit History (portal events) and Hexnode Action History (command statuses).

Implementation Checklist

1. Configure Diagnostic Scripts to detect Docker failures, broken $PATH, missing binaries, and IDE/plugin issues.
2. Create Dynamic Groups for “Ready-to-Code Drift” using Compliance Status or Custom Attributes (e.g., Docker_Status = Down).
3. Use Hexnode Genie to generate macOS/Linux self-healing scripts for Docker, shell paths, and toolchain repair.
4. Upload and validate all Genie scripts in the Content Repository.
5. Create a Remediation assignments:
   • macOS: Script Policy attached to the Dynamic Group
   • Linux: Execute Custom Script action triggered via automation or scheduling for the Dynamic Group.
6. Use Required Apps to silently re-install mandatory IDE plugins and developer tools when missing.
7. Track success and failures using Action History and Audit History.