Concepts
One of the most common ways to deploy an AWS Lambda function is by uploading a .ZIP file archive. This archive should contain all the necessary code and dependencies required for the Lambda function to run.
Example
To create a Lambda function with the AWS CLI, package your code and dependencies into a .ZIP file and then use the create-function command:
zip function.zip lambda_function.py
aws lambda create-function –function-name my-function \
–zip-file fileb://function.zip –handler lambda_function.handler \
–runtime python3.8 –role arn:aws:iam::123456789012:role/execution_role
Pros
- Familiar process similar to traditional application deployments.
- Direct control over how your files are structured within the package.
- Can include any necessary binaries or custom dependencies.
Cons
- Manually managing dependencies can be time-consuming.
- Package size is limited to 50 MB when uploading directly through the AWS Management Console or 250 MB when uploading through the AWS CLI or AWS SDKs.
- Larger dependency sizes can lead to longer Lambda cold start times.
Option 2: Container Image
As an alternative to .ZIP files, AWS Lambda also supports deployment packages in the form of container images, allowing developers to build Lambda functions as container images up to 10 GB in size.
Example
To deploy a container image, you need to create a Dockerfile, build the image, push it to Amazon Elastic Container Registry (ECR), and then deploy it to Lambda:
# Dockerfile
FROM public.ecr.aws/lambda/python:3.8
COPY . ${LAMBDA_TASK_ROOT}
CMD [“app.lambda_handler”]
# Build and push the image
$(aws ecr get-login –no-include-email –region us-west-2)
docker build -t my-function .
docker tag my-function:latest 123456789012.dkr.ecr.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/my-function:latest
docker push 123456789012.dkr.ecr.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/my-function:latest
Pros
- Supports larger deployment packages (up to 10 GB).
- Unifies local development and production environments via containers.
- Integrates with AWS container tooling such as Amazon ECR and AWS CodeBuild.
Cons
- More complex than .ZIP deployment.
- Requires knowledge of containerization concepts and tools.
- Might be overkill for simple Lambda functions.
Option 3: AWS Serverless Application Model (AWS SAM)
AWS SAM is an open-source framework for building serverless applications. It extends AWS CloudFormation with additional resources specifically designed for serverless applications.
Example
To use AWS SAM, define your Lambda function in the template.yaml file:
Resources:
MyFunction:
Type: AWS::Serverless::Function
Properties:
CodeUri: my-function/
Handler: app.lambda_handler
Runtime: python3.8
Role: arn:aws:iam::123456789012:role/execution_role
Run the SAM build and deploy commands:
sam build
sam deploy –guided
Pros
- Simplifies the deployment process for serverless applications.
- Supports local testing and debugging of Lambda functions.
- Auto-generates the necessary CloudFormation templates for deployment.
Cons
- Requires learning and using AWS SAM and CloudFormation syntax.
- Potentially steeper learning curve for developers new to infrastructure as code.
Comparison Table
| Packaging Option | Max Size | Complexity Level | Control Over Dependencies | Infrastructure as Code Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .ZIP File Archives | 50 MB (Console) / 250 MB (CLI) | Low | High | None |
| Container Image | 10 GB | High | High | None |
| AWS SAM | 50 MB (Console) / 250 MB (CLI) | Medium | High | Yes |
In preparation for the AWS Certified Developer – Associate exam, understanding these packaging options, their pros, and cons, and how to implement them will be crucial. Choose the method that aligns best with your application’s size, complexity, and deployment requirements.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: When deploying a Lambda function on AWS, you can package your function as a .zip file and upload it directly.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Lambda functions can be packaged as .zip files containing your code and any dependencies before being uploaded directly to AWS Lambda.
True or False: AWS Lambda requires you to host your deployment package in an Amazon S3 bucket in the same AWS region as the Lambda function.
- Answer: False
Explanation: While you can use Amazon S3 to host Lambda deployment packages, it’s not mandatory to be in the same region as the Lambda function, although it’s recommended for improved performance and lower latency.
What is the maximum deployment package size for AWS Lambda when uploading directly through the AWS Management Console?
- A) 10 MB
- B) 50 MB
- C) 75 MB
- D) 250 MB
Answer: B) 50 MB
Explanation: When uploading directly through the AWS Management Console, the maximum deployment package size is 50 MB.
True or False: AWS Lambda supports container images as a deployment package option.
- Answer: True
Explanation: AWS Lambda allows you to use container images up to 10 GB in size as a deployment package option.
Which of the following AWS services can be used to automate the deployment of Lambda functions?
- A) AWS CodeDeploy
- B) AWS CodeCommit
- C) AWS CloudFormation
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: AWS CodeDeploy, AWS CodeCommit, and AWS CloudFormation can all be used to automate the deployment of Lambda functions.
True or False: You cannot use AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM) to package and deploy Lambda functions.
- Answer: False
Explanation: AWS SAM is specifically designed to define, package, and deploy serverless applications, including Lambda functions.
How can you include native binaries in your AWS Lambda deployment package?
- A) Include them in the container image
- B) Store them in Amazon S3 and download them at runtime
- C) Package them within the .zip file
- D) A and C
Answer: D) A and C
Explanation: Native binaries can be included in the container image or packaged within the .zip file for Lambda deployments.
What is a new feature regarding AWS Lambda’s deployment packages as of my knowledge cutoff date in 2023?
- A) Integration with GitHub Actions
- B) Support for Blue/Green deployments
- C) Enabling automatic retries for failed deployments
- D) Support for ARM-based workloads using AWS Graviton2 processors
Answer: D) Support for ARM-based workloads using AWS Graviton2 processors
Explanation: AWS Lambda introduced support for ARM-based workloads using AWS Graviton2 processors, which can provide better price-performance for certain workloads.
True or False: You can specify Lambda function code inline in an AWS CloudFormation template for simple functions.
- Answer: True
Explanation: AWS CloudFormation allows you to specify simple AWS Lambda function code inline within the template, simplifying the deployment process for small functions.
Which AWS CLI command would you use to update the code for an existing Lambda function?
- A) aws lambda publish-version
- B) aws lambda update-function-code
- C) aws lambda create-function
- D) aws lambda deploy-function
Answer: B) aws lambda update-function-code
Explanation: The AWS CLI command `aws lambda update-function-code` is used to update the code for an existing Lambda function.
True or False: AWS Lambda Layer is a way to manage and provision application dependencies separately from the Lambda function code.
- Answer: True
Explanation: AWS Lambda Layers allows you to package and manage common components across multiple Lambda functions, such as libraries, custom runtimes, or other dependencies.
When should you consider using the AWS Serverless Application Repository for deploying Lambda functions?
- A) When you want to use community or third-party applications
- B) When you are deploying complex applications with multiple services
- C) When you want to share your Lambda-based applications publicly
- D) A and C
Answer: D) A and C
Explanation: The AWS Serverless Application Repository is intended for discovering, deploying, and publishing serverless applications, including using community or third-party applications and sharing your Lambda-based applications publicly.
Great overview on Lambda deployment packaging options! Really helped me clarify a few points.
Thanks for the blog post. It was very informative.
I found the section on container images particularly useful. Has anyone tried using container images for their deployments?
The details about using AWS SAM were a bit brief. Any resources for diving deeper into SAM?
I appreciate the example codes included. Made it easier to understand the concepts.
Not sure if lambda layers are the best option all the time. They seem to add complexity.
I prefer using the AWS CDK for my deployments. It feels more modern and offers robust support.
Thanks for the insightful post!