9 - Real-World Projects and Use Cases
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Hosting a Static Website on Amazon S3
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Today, we're going to explore how to host a static website using Amazon S3. Can anyone tell me what S3 stands for?
Is it Simple Storage Service?
Correct! S3 stands for Simple Storage Service. It allows you to store and retrieve any amount of data from anywhere on the web. Now, letβs discuss what steps we need to take to host a website. Who can list the first few steps?
We need to prepare the website files first, right?
Exactly! Preparing your website files, including an index.html and error.html, is the first step. Let's also remember this as 'PIC' - Prepare, Import, Configure. Can anyone tell me what comes next?
We log into the AWS Console and go to the S3 dashboard.
Yes! Then we create a new bucket. Remember, the bucket name must be globally unique. How do we make our website public?
By disabling 'Block all public access' under Permissions and setting the bucket policy!
Great job! Let's summarize: to host a static website on S3, we must prepare our files, log in to S3, create a bucket, upload our files, and adjust permissions. Understanding these concepts is key!
Deploying a Web Application Using EC2 and RDS
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Next, we will discuss deploying a web application using EC2 and RDS. What is EC2?
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud?
That's right! EC2 provides resizable compute capacity. Now, if we're deploying a PHP and MySQL application, where should we start?
We start by creating an RDS instance, right?
Exactly! And while doing that, what settings can we use for free tier access?
We can use MySQL with Free Tier settings and make it publicly accessible!
Fantastic! Once we have the RDS instance, we launch an EC2 instance. What key ports do we need to open?
Ports 22 for SSH and 80 for HTTP!
Great! To summarize, we create an RDS instance, launch EC2, and ensure necessary connectivity. This is critical for deploying dynamic web applications.
Implementing a Serverless Function with AWS Lambda
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Let's dive into serverless applications using AWS Lambda. What is a key advantage of using Lambda?
It allows us to run code without provisioning servers!
Exactly! Today we'll create a Lambda function that processes form inputs. What do we start with?
We need to create a DynamoDB table first!
That's correct! We will name our table 'FormSubmissions', and what should the primary key be?
The primary key should be 'id'.
Excellent! After the table is set up, we create a Lambda function. Can anyone tell me how we connect that function to DynamoDB?
By attaching an IAM role with DynamoDB write access!
Great! Remember, to summarize our steps: create DynamoDB, Lambda function with IAM roles, and write the function code! This understanding enables us to utilize serverless architectures!
Setting Up a CI/CD Pipeline for Automated Deployments
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Finally, letβs set up a CI/CD pipeline! Can anyone explain what CI/CD stands for?
Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment!
Correct! What is the first step we need to take to set this up?
We have to prepare our code repository and push our code to GitHub!
Exactly! After that, we create CodePipeline. What do we configure as our source?
GitHub, using OAuth integration!
Great! And then what options do we have for deploying?
We can deploy to S3 for static sites or use CodeDeploy for EC2.
Well done! Remember our acronym 'SCD' - Source, CodeBuild, Deploy. It's crucial to understand each stage of CI/CD pipelines!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, learners engage in hands-on AWS projects designed to build confidence and skills in deploying applications and managing infrastructure. The projects include hosting static websites, deploying dynamic applications, implementing serverless functions, and setting up CI/CD pipelines.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
This section focuses on applying the theoretical knowledge gained from previous chapters into practical AWS projects. The hands-on experience is divided into four key projects:
- Hosting a Static Website on Amazon S3: This project guides learners through the process of creating a fully functional static website by using Amazon S3, detailing each step from file preparation to public access.
- Deploying a Web Application Using EC2 and RDS: Students learn how to deploy a dynamic web application using EC2 for hosting and RDS for database management, emphasizing practical skills such as connecting to instances and uploading application code.
- Implementing a Serverless Function with AWS Lambda: This project introduces serverless architecture, covering how to create a Lambda function that stores user inputs in DynamoDB, fostering a deeper understanding of event-driven programming in the cloud.
- Setting Up a CI/CD Pipeline for Automated Deployments: This section teaches learners about Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), illustrating how to automate deployment processes from GitHub to AWS environments.
Each project builds on foundational concepts, providing a comprehensive base for developing and managing scalable applications within the AWS ecosystem.
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Objective of the Projects
Chapter 1 of 6
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Chapter Content
To apply theoretical knowledge from previous chapters into practical, hands-on AWS projects. These step-by-step projects are designed to help you become confident in using AWS services by solving real-world problems and deploying actual applications and infrastructure.
Detailed Explanation
The objective of this section is to bridge the gap between theory and practice in AWS services. By engaging in these hands-on projects, you will learn how to utilize AWS for real-world applications, which helps reinforce your understanding of the theoretical concepts covered in earlier chapters. These projects will help build your confidence in implementing AWS services effectively.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this objective like learning to ride a bicycle. You can read all the books about riding a bike and understand the balance, but until you actually get on the bike and practice, you wonβt be able to ride confidently. These projects are your chance to practice and build that confidence in AWS.
Project 1: Hosting a Static Website on Amazon S3
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Chapter Content
Goal: Host a fully functional static website (HTML/CSS/JS) on S3 with public access.
Steps:
- Prepare your website files:
- Create an index.html and error.html page.
- Login to AWS Console and go to the S3 Dashboard.
- Create a new bucket:
- Bucket name must be globally unique.
- Disable "Block all public access" under Permissions.
- Upload website files to the bucket.
- Enable static website hosting:
- Go to the bucket's Properties tab.
- Enable Static website hosting and set index/error documents.
- Set Bucket Policy to make files public:
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Sid": "PublicReadGetObject",
"Effect": "Allow",
"Principal": "*",
"Action": "s3:GetObject",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::your-bucket-name/*"
}
]
}
- Access your website using the S3 website endpoint.
Detailed Explanation
In this project, you'll learn how to host a static website using Amazon S3. First, you'll prepare your website files (HTML, CSS, JS) by creating essential files like 'index.html.' You will log in to the AWS Console and navigate to the S3 service. Then, you'll create an S3 bucket with a unique name, ensuring public access is enabled to allow users to view your site. After uploading your files, you will enable static website hosting and specify which pages serve as the index and error documents. To make your files publicly accessible, you will set a specific bucket policy. Finally, you'll test your website using the provided S3 endpoint.
Examples & Analogies
Hosting a static website on S3 is similar to opening a shop. You prepare the items (website files), find the right location (S3 bucket), make sure doors are open for customers to enter (public access), and then you put up a sign (S3 website endpoint) directing customers to your shop. Just as customers can walk in and see your items, users can visit your website and view its content.
Project 2: Deploying a Web Application Using EC2 and RDS
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Chapter Content
Goal: Deploy a dynamic web app (e.g., PHP + MySQL) using Amazon EC2 and Amazon RDS.
Steps:
- Create an RDS Instance:
- Choose MySQL.
- Use Free Tier settings.
- Set username/password and database name.
- Make it publicly accessible for testing.
- Launch an EC2 instance:
- Choose Amazon Linux 2.
- Use Free Tier t2.micro.
- Open ports 22 (SSH), 80 (HTTP).
- Connect to EC2 via SSH and install web server + MySQL client:
sudo yum update -y sudo yum install -y httpd php php-mysqlnd sudo systemctl start httpd sudo systemctl enable httpd
- Deploy Web App Code:
- Upload using SCP or create manually.
- Include a DB connection script pointing to your RDS endpoint.
- Test Connection to RDS and browse app using EC2 public IP.
Detailed Explanation
In this project, you will set up a dynamic web application using AWS services. You start by creating an Amazon RDS instance for the database, selecting MySQL, and making it accessible for testing. Next, you will launch an EC2 instance using Amazon Linux, which serves as your web server hosting platform. You'll need to connect to this instance securely via SSH, install necessary software like Apache (HTTP server) and PHP, and ensure the server is running. After that, you will upload your web application code to the EC2 instance and adjust your code to connect to the previously created RDS database. Finally, you'll test the setup by accessing your application through the public IP address of the EC2 instance.
Examples & Analogies
Deploying a web application is like opening a restaurant. The RDS instance is your kitchen where all the ingredients (database) are stored and prepared. The EC2 instance is the dining area where customers (users) come to enjoy the meal (app). You build the menu (code) to ensure customers get to taste what you offer (your web application) by connecting the kitchen with the dining area effectively.
Project 3: Implementing a Serverless Function with AWS Lambda
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Chapter Content
Goal: Create a simple AWS Lambda function that processes form input (e.g., a contact form) and stores it in DynamoDB.
Steps:
- Create a DynamoDB Table:
- Table name: FormSubmissions
- Primary key: id
- Create a Lambda Function:
- Choose Node.js or Python.
- Attach IAM role with DynamoDB write access.
- Write Function Code (example in Python):
import json
import boto3
import uuid
def lambda_handler(event, context):
db = boto3.resource('dynamodb')
table = db.Table('FormSubmissions')
data = json.loads(event['body'])
table.put_item(Item={
'id': str(uuid.uuid4()),
'name': data['name'],
'email': data['email']
})
return {
'statusCode': 200,
'body': json.dumps('Data saved successfully!')
}
- Create API Gateway:
- Setup POST endpoint to trigger Lambda.
- Enable CORS.
- Deploy API and test using Postman or a frontend form.
Detailed Explanation
This project involves creating a serverless function using AWS Lambda. You start by setting up a DynamoDB table named 'FormSubmissions' to store input like names and emails. You then create a Lambda function in either Node.js or Python that processes incoming data from a form. The function will read the input, generate a unique identifier, and save the form data into DynamoDB. You'll also set up an API Gateway which serves as a gateway to trigger the Lambda function when a form is submitted. Finally, you will deploy the API and test it using tools like Postman to ensure the data is being stored correctly.
Examples & Analogies
Implementing a serverless function is like having a digital receptionist who collects information from visitors (form submissions). When someone fills out a form, the receptionist (Lambda function) takes the details, gives each visitor a unique badge (id), and stores that information neatly in a filing cabinet (DynamoDB table) for later retrieval.
Project 4: Setting Up a CI/CD Pipeline for Automated Deployments
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Chapter Content
Goal: Set up a pipeline to automatically deploy code changes from GitHub to EC2 or S3.
Steps:
- Prepare Code Repository:
- Push website/app code to a GitHub repository.
- Create CodePipeline:
- Source: GitHub (OAuth integration)
- Build: AWS CodeBuild (optional, or use passthrough)
- Deploy:
- S3: for static sites
- CodeDeploy: for EC2
- Create CodeDeploy Application and Deployment Group:
- Attach IAM roles and EC2 tags.
- Install CodeDeploy agent on EC2 instance.
- Configure appspec.yml for CodeDeploy:
version: 0.0
os: linux
files:
- source: /
destination: /var/www/html
hooks:
AfterInstall:
- location: scripts/restart_server.sh
timeout: 60
runas: root
- Test the Pipeline:
- Push a new commit to GitHub.
- Watch it flow through the pipeline and deploy automatically.
Detailed Explanation
This project involves setting up a Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline, which automates code deployment. You begin with a code repository on GitHub where your application code resides. With AWS CodePipeline, you configure a source that monitors changes in your GitHub repository. This pipeline can optionally use AWS CodeBuild for building the application. Depending on whether you're deploying to S3 or EC2, you'll set up CodeDeploy to handle the deployment process. You'll then configure necessary permissions and install the CodeDeploy agent on your EC2 instance to facilitate deployment. Lastly, you would test the pipeline by pushing new code to GitHub to see if the changes propagate through the pipeline and deploy as expected.
Examples & Analogies
Setting up a CI/CD pipeline is like having a kitchen where chefs receive orders (code changes) and prepare meals (deploys) based on those orders. The GitHub repository is the order book where all customer requests (updates) are logged. The CI/CD pipeline acts as the kitchen staff that ensures every dish is prepared (built) and served (deployed) quickly and efficiently, making sure customers get the latest menus with minimal waiting time.
Summary of Projects
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Chapter Content
These projects demonstrate how to use key AWS services in practical, integrated ways. Starting with static website hosting and progressing through full-stack web deployment, serverless architecture, and automation pipelines, you now have a concrete base to build, secure, and manage real-world applications in the cloud. Youβre ready to confidently deploy scalable and maintainable applications on AWS!
Detailed Explanation
The summary highlights the core theme of the projects, emphasizing their role in providing practical experience with AWS services. It reflects on how the projects develop from simpler tasks, like hosting a static website, to more complex ones involving full application deployment and serverless functionalities. By completing these projects, learners gain not just theoretical knowledge, but also the hands-on experience necessary to develop, manage, and maintain applications in a real-world cloud environment.
Examples & Analogies
Like completing a rigorous training program for a sport, these projects equip you with the skills and confidence needed for real competition. Just as an athlete learns through practice drills, these hands-on projects allow you to refine and demonstrate your AWS skills, preparing you for real challenges in the field of cloud computing.
Key Concepts
-
Amazon S3: A scalable storage solution for static website hosting.
-
EC2: A cloud computing service providing virtual servers.
-
RDS: Managed database service for relational database management.
-
AWS Lambda: Runs backend code in a serverless environment.
-
CI/CD: Streamlining application development and deployment.
Examples & Applications
Hosting a personal portfolio website on S3, utilizing HTML, CSS, and JS.
Deploying a blog application with a MySQL database and a PHP front end using EC2 and RDS.
Creating a contact form that collects user data using AWS Lambda and stores submissions in DynamoDB.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
S3, it's the key, to store all you see, from images to code, it's easy and free!
Stories
Imagine a small store (your S3 bucket) where you keep all your items (files) organized and accessible whenever you or customers need to view them online.
Memory Tools
To remember the steps for a website on S3: P.I.C.K - Prepare files, Import to S3, Configure settings, Know permissions.
Acronyms
To recall EC2, just remember **E.C.C.** - Elastic Cloud Compute for your application needs!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Amazon S3
A scalable storage service that allows users to store and retrieve any amount of data.
- EC2
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, a web service that provides resizable compute capacity in the cloud.
- RDS
Relational Database Service, a managed relational database service for database management.
- Lambda
A serverless computing service that allows you to run code without provisioning servers.
- CI/CD
Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment, practices for software development to automate changes and deployments.
- DynamoDB
A fully managed NoSQL database service provided by AWS.
- API Gateway
A fully managed service for building and deploying APIs at any scale.
- CodePipeline
A continuous delivery service for fast and reliable application updates.
- CodeDeploy
A deployment service that automates code deployments to any instance.
- Bucket Policy
A resource-based policy that specifies permissions for an Amazon S3 bucket.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.