Why can't I execute my binary in the runner environment?
Last updated: September 16, 2025
Context
When attempting to execute a custom binary in the runner environment, you may encounter an error message stating "cannot execute: required file not found" even though the binary file exists in the specified location. This typically occurs when trying to run compiled binaries that have dependencies on shared libraries.
Answer
If you encounter this error, it's likely due to missing shared libraries or dependencies in the runner environment. Here are the steps to resolve this issue:
Verify binary compatibility with the runner's architecture and OS (Linux/amd64)
Check for missing shared libraries using the command:
ldd /path/to/your/binaryIf you're compiling a Go binary, ensure it's built as a static binary by setting:
CGO_ENABLED=0before building your binary
If the issue persists, consider using a custom runner image that includes all necessary dependencies
The error message "required file not found" can be misleading, as it may refer to missing shared libraries rather than the binary file itself. Building a static binary (with CGO_ENABLED=0 for Go binaries) ensures all dependencies are included in the binary, eliminating dependency-related execution issues in the runner environment.