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AWS Bites

AWS Bites

By AWS Bites

AWS Bites is the weekly show where we answer questions about AWS! This show is brought to you be Eoin Shanaghy and Luciano Mammino, certified AWS experts.
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36. What’s new for JavaScript developers on AWS?

AWS BitesMay 12, 2022

00:00
24:00
119. The state of AWS 2024 (AnsWeRS community survey commentary)

119. The state of AWS 2024 (AnsWeRS community survey commentary)

In this episode, we provide commentary and analysis on the 2024 AWS Community Survey results. We go through the key findings for each area including infrastructure as code, CI/CD, serverless, containers, NoSQL databases, event services, and AI/ML. While recognizing potential biases, we aim to extract insights from the data and share our perspectives based on experience. Overall, we see increased adoption across many services, though some pain points remain around developer experience. We hope this format provides value to listeners interested in cloud technology trends.


💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an AWS Partner that does CLOUD stuff really well, check us out on ⁠fourtheorem.com⁠!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠⁠

Mar 22, 202439:34
118. The landing zone: Managing multiple AWS accounts

118. The landing zone: Managing multiple AWS accounts

In this episode, we provide an introductory overview of AWS's best practices for managing infrastructure using multiple accounts under an organization. We discuss the advantages of this approach and how to get started creating your own multi-account environment, or "landing zone".


💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an AWS Partner that does CLOUD stuff well, including helping you set up your AWS organisation! If that’s something you are looking for, go to fourtheorem.com to read more about us and to get in touch!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠⁠

Mar 15, 202425:48
117. What do EBS and a jellyfish have in common?

117. What do EBS and a jellyfish have in common?

In this episode, we provide an overview of Amazon EBS, which stands for Elastic Block Storage. We explain what block storage is and how EBS provides highly available and high-performance storage volumes that can be attached to EC2 instances. We discuss the various EBS volume types, including GP3, GP2, provisioned IOPS, and HDD volumes, and explain how they differ in performance characteristics like IOPS and throughput. We go over important concepts like IOPS, throughput, and volume types so listeners can make informed decisions when provisioning EBS. We also cover EBS features like snapshots, encryption, direct API access, and ECS integration. Overall, this is a comprehensive guide to understanding EBS and choosing the right options based on your workload needs.


💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an AWS Partner that does CLOUD stuff really well. Go to fourtheorem.com to read about our case studies!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠⁠

Mar 08, 202421:03
116. What is RAM (Resource Access Manager)?

116. What is RAM (Resource Access Manager)?

In this episode, we discuss AWS Resource Access Manager (RAM) and how it can be used to securely share AWS resources like VPC subnets, databases, and SSM parameters across accounts. We explain the benefits of using RAM over other options like resource policies and assumed roles. Some key topics covered include how to get started with RAM, how it works from the resource owner and resource participant side, and common use cases like sharing VPC subnets, Aurora databases, and SSM parameters.


💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, the AWS consulting partner with lots of experience with AWS, Serverless, and Lambda. If you are looking for a partner that can help you deliver your next Serverless workload successfully, look no further and reach out to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fourTheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠⁠

Mar 01, 202413:45
115. What can you do with Permissions Boundaries?

115. What can you do with Permissions Boundaries?

In this episode, we discuss Permission Boundary policies in AWS IAM. A permissions boundary is an advanced feature in which you set the maximum permissions that an identity-based policy can grant to an IAM entity. When you set a permissions boundary for an entity, the entity can perform only the actions allowed by its identity-based policies and its permissions boundaries. In this episode, we discuss this concept a bit more in detail and we show how it can be used to give freedom to development teams while preventing privilege escalation. We also cover some of the disadvantages that come with using permission boundaries and other things to be aware of. Finally, we will give some practical advice on how to get the best out of Permissions Boundary Policy and get the best out of them.


💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, the AWS consulting partner with lots of experience with AWS, Serverless, and Lambda. If you are looking for a partner that can help you deliver your next Serverless workload successfully, look no further and reach out to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fourTheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠⁠

Feb 23, 202413:01
114. What's up with LLRT, AWS' new Lambda Runtime?

114. What's up with LLRT, AWS' new Lambda Runtime?

In this episode, we discuss the new experimental AWS Lambda LLRT Low Latency runtime for JavaScript. We provide an overview of what a Lambda runtime is and how LLRT aims to optimize cold starts and performance compared to existing runtimes like Node.js. We outline the benefits of LLRT but also highlight concerns around its experimental status, lack of parity with Node.js, and reliance on dependencies like QuickJS. Overall, LLRT shows promise but needs more stability, support, and real-world testing before it can be recommended for production use. In the end, we also have an appeal for AWS itself when it comes to investing in the larger JavaScript ecosystem.


💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, the AWS consulting partner with lots of experience with AWS, Serverless, and Lambda. If you are looking for a partner that can help you deliver your next Serverless workload successfully, look no further and reach out to us at ⁠⁠⁠https://fourTheorem.com⁠⁠⁠ In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠⁠

Feb 16, 202430:34
113. How do you revoke leaked credentials?
Feb 09, 202411:35
112. What is a Service Control Policy (SCP)?
Feb 02, 202418:47
111. How we run a Cloud Consulting business

111. How we run a Cloud Consulting business

In this episode, we discuss how we work as a cloud consulting company, including our principles, engagement process, sprint methodology, and focus on agile development to deliver successful projects. We aim to be trusted partners, not just vendors, and enable our customers' business goals. By the end of this episode, you will know what working with a cloud consulting company like fourTheorem could look like and you might learn some strategies to make cloud projects a success! We will also digress a little into the history of software practices, common misconceptions, and what we believe should be the right way to build software.


💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is sponsored by fourTheorem, an AWS Partner with plenty of experience delivering cloud projects to production. If you want to chat, reach out to us on social media or check out https://fourTheorem.com In this episode, we mentioned the following resources.


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠⁠

Jan 26, 202445:45
110. Why should you use Lambda for Machine Learning?

110. Why should you use Lambda for Machine Learning?

In this episode, we discuss using AWS Lambda for machine learning inference. We cover the tradeoffs between GPUs and CPUs for ML, tools like ggml and llama.cpp for running models on CPUs, and share examples where we've experimented with Lambda for ML like podcast transcription, medical imaging, and natural language processing. While Lambda ML is still quite experimental, it can be a viable option for certain use cases.


💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an Advanced AWS Partner. If you are moving to AWS or need a partner to help you go faster, check us out at fourtheorem.com ! In this episode, we mentioned the following resources.


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠⁠

Jan 19, 202424:29
109. What is the AWS Project Development Kit (PDK)?

109. What is the AWS Project Development Kit (PDK)?

This episode of the AWS Bites Podcast provides an overview of the AWS Project Development Kit (PDK), an open-source tool to help bootstrap and maintain cloud projects. We discuss what PDK is, how it can help generate boilerplate code and infrastructure, keep configuration consistent across projects, and some pros and cons of using a tool like this versus doing it manually. Is PDK something you should use for your cloud projects? Let's find out!


💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an Advanced AWS Partner. If you are moving to AWS or need a partner to help you go faster, check us out at fourtheorem.com ! In this episode, we mentioned the following resources.


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠⁠

Jan 12, 202428:41
108. How to Solve Lambda Python Cold Starts

108. How to Solve Lambda Python Cold Starts

Dec 15, 202320:52
107. Expert opinions from re:Invent 2023

107. Expert opinions from re:Invent 2023

In this episode, we share expert opinions from AWS community leaders on their favorite announcements from re:Invent 2023, advice for those starting their cloud journey, predictions for the future of serverless, whether to go multi-cloud or not, and how AI will impact developers. Our guests provide insightful perspectives on getting hands-on experience, leveraging the AWS community, thinking through architectural decisions, and more. AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an Advanced AWS Partner. If you are moving to AWS or need a partner to help you go faster, check us out at fourtheorem.com ! In this episode, we mentioned the following resources.


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - ⁠https://twitter.com/eoins⁠ - ⁠https://twitter.com/loige⁠

#aws #reinvent2023 #reinvent #networkingevents

Dec 08, 202320:46
106. Luciano at re:Invent

106. Luciano at re:Invent

Luciano and Eoin chat about Luciano's experience attending AWS re:Invent 2023 in Las Vegas for the first time. They talk about the massive scale of the event, logistical challenges getting around between venues, highlights from the keynotes and announcements, and tips for networking and getting the most out of re:Invent. Luciano shares his perspective on the AI focus, meeting people in real life after connecting online, rookie mistakes to avoid, and why re:Invent is worth the investment for anyone working in the AWS space. AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an Advanced AWS Partner. If you are moving to AWS or need a partner to help you go faster, check us out at fourtheorem.com ! In this episode, we mentioned the following resources.

- Amazon Q: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/introducing-amazon-q-a-new-generative-ai-powered-assistant-preview/

- Efi Merdler-Kravitz's talk on "Rustifying serverless" with AWS Lambda (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdh_2PXe9i8

- ElastiCache Serverless for Redis and Memcached: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/amazon-elasticache-serverless-for-redis-and-memcached-now-generally-available/

- Throughput increase and dead letter queue redrive for SQS FIFO: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/announcing-throughput-increase-and-dead-letter-queue-redrive-support-for-amazon-sqs-fifo-queues/ - Step Functions Workflow Studio in AWS Application Composer: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/aws-step-functions-workflow-studio-is-now-available-in-aws-application-composer/

- Lambda scales 12x faster: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/aws-lambda-functions-now-scale-12-times-faster-when-handling-high-volume-requests/

- Step Function redrive from a failed state: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/compute/introducing-aws-step-functions-redrive-a-new-way-to-restart-workflows/


Do you have any AWS questions you would like us to address? Leave a comment here or connect with us on X, formerly Twitter: - https://twitter.com/eoins - https://twitter.com/loige

#aws #reinvent2023 #reinvent #networkingevents

Dec 01, 202318:34
105. Integration Testing on AWS

105. Integration Testing on AWS

In this episode, we discuss integration testing event-driven systems and explore AWS's new Integration Application Test Kit (IATK). We cover the challenges of testing events and common approaches like logging, end-to-end testing, and using temporary queues. We then introduce IATK, walk through how to use it for EventBridge testing, and share our experience trying out the X-Ray trace validation. We found IATK promising but still rough around the edges, though overall a useful addition to help test complex event flows. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an Advanced AWS Partner. If you are moving to AWS or need a partner to help you go faster, check us out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Nov 24, 202328:28
104. Explaining Lambda Runtimes

104. Explaining Lambda Runtimes

In this episode, we celebrate AWS Lambda's 9th birthday by taking a deep dive into Lambda runtimes. We discuss how Lambda works, compare official runtimes vs. custom runtimes, and explain when and why building a custom runtime might be worth the effort. We talk through how custom runtimes work, options for deploying them, and potential use cases where they could be beneficial over standard runtimes. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an Advanced AWS Partner. If you are moving to AWS or need a partner to help you go faster, check us out at ⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Nov 17, 202325:01
103. Building GetAI Features with Bedrock

103. Building GetAI Features with Bedrock

In this episode, we discuss how we automated generating YouTube descriptions, chapters and tags for our podcast using Amazon's new GenAI tool: Bedrock. We provide an overview of Bedrock's features and how we built an integration to summarize podcast transcripts and extract relevant metadata using the Anthropic Claude model. We share the prompt engineering required to instruct the AI, and details on our serverless architecture using Step Functions, Lambda, and EventBridge. We also discussed Bedrock pricing models and how we built a real-time cost-monitoring dashboard. Overall, this automation saves us substantial manual effort while keeping costs low. We hope this episode inspires others to explore building their AI workflows with Bedrock. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an Advanced AWS Partner. If you are moving to AWS or need a partner to help you go faster, check us out at ⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Nov 10, 202320:54
102. Getting Ampt with Jeremy Daly

102. Getting Ampt with Jeremy Daly

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jeremy Daly, CEO of Ampt and a leader in the AWS and serverless community. We discuss Jeremy's journey into AWS and serverless, the prolific open source work and content he creates, the evolution of serverless over the years, common myths about serverless, and, finally, the story behind building Ampt to improve the developer experience. Jeremy provides his perspective on the state of serverless and predictions for the future and it also gives some fantastic pieces of advice for wannabe tech-entrepreneurs! 💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an Advanced AWS Partner. If you are moving to AWS or need a partner to help you go faster, check us out at ⁠fourtheorem.com⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Nov 03, 202301:10:48
101. Package and Distribute Lambda Functions for fun and profit

101. Package and Distribute Lambda Functions for fun and profit

Today we embark on a fascinating journey into the world of AWS Lambda functions and how to make them accessible to the public. In a recent use case, involving the creation of a public Lambda function for AWS users, we asked ourselves some interesting questions. How can you securely, cost-effectively, and conveniently publish AWS resources, especially Lambda functions, for others to use? And... can we possibly make some money out of this? Join us as we explore various options and share our findings for making your AWS resources available to the world. We dive into the Serverless Application Repository (SAR), an AWS treasure trove for publishing resources. And SAR isn't the only way! We also discuss alternatives like CloudFormation templates, GitHub publishing, Terraform modules, and container images. We explore the pros and cons of these methods and debate the implications in terms of cost, security, and ease of use. Finally, we touch on the AWS Marketplace as a platform to monetize your AWS resources. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 AWS Bites is brought to you by fourTheorem, an Advanced AWS Partner. If you are moving to AWS or need a partner to help you go faster, check us out at fourtheorem.com!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Oct 26, 202318:14
100. Exploring Ampt, a new way to build cloud apps on AWS

100. Exploring Ampt, a new way to build cloud apps on AWS

Greetings, my fellow innovators, and welcome to this illuminating episode of AWS Bites! In this edition, we embark on a journey into the realms of Ampt, a groundbreaking solution that simplifies the intricate landscape of AWS application development, allowing you to direct your focus toward the very essence of your applications, unhindered by the burdens of infrastructure management. As your guides through this remarkable odyssey, hosts Luciano and Eoin delve into the ingenious facets of Ampt. We unveil its "code over infrastructure" paradigm, which resonates with the principles of efficiency and simplicity. Furthermore, we explore Ampt's intelligent compute options, designed to adapt to the dynamic needs of your applications, and its streamlined deployment process, which paves the way for a more seamless journey into the world of cloud development. Join us on this voyage as we unravel how Ampt simplifies the intricate art of crafting full-stack applications. Notably, it offers individual sandboxes for each developer, eliminating the cacophony of distractions caused by noisy neighbors. Together, we will also uncover the straightforward path to beginning your journey with Ampt, highlighting its exciting features that promise to reshape the landscape of cloud development. This episode is a testament to innovation and the pursuit of progress. So, heed the call and stay at the forefront of AWS development by immersing yourself in this episode today! 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Oct 19, 202323:35
99. The fears of adopting AWS (and how to fight them)

99. The fears of adopting AWS (and how to fight them)

In this thrilling episode of AWS Bites Podcast, we delve into the murky world of cloud computing and discuss the most haunting fears that deter businesses from adopting Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this gritty discussion reminiscent of a noir novel, they reveal the sinister concerns of cost, complexity, security, and vendor lock-in that keep organizations in the dark. If you're in the cloud consulting business or facing internal resistance to moving your projects to AWS, this episode is your secret weapon. We shed light on how to reassure your clients and your boss that AWS can bring value. We also provide valuable tips on how to prepare your organization for a successful migration, as these transitions often require significant changes within the company itself. In this episode, you'll discover: How to tackle the fear of cost and gain control over your spending; Strategies to navigate the labyrinth of AWS complexity and maximize productivity; Techniques to secure your AWS environment and shield against potential breaches; The trade-offs of vendor lock-in and how to mitigate risks; Whether AWS is the right path for your business and when to embrace it. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Oct 12, 202323:04
98. Is AWS Going to Kill Pinpoint?

98. Is AWS Going to Kill Pinpoint?

Today, we will explore the enigmatic world of Amazon Pinpoint. Pinpoint boasts a wide range of capabilities that can prove advantageous for various marketing endeavors. In this intriguing episode, we will shed light on Pinpoint's core features and use cases. Additionally, we will compare it to several other marketing products, including Google Analytics, Marketo, Mailchimp, and more. However, the most startling revelation pertains to the recent changes in Pinpoint's limitations, which have left users deeply concerned. The astonishing reduction from 7,000 events per second to a mere 15 has prompted us to ponder: is AWS attempting to relegate Pinpoint to oblivion? Join us in the eerie tranquility of a snow-covered hotel as we unravel the mysteries surrounding Pinpoint's destiny. Could it be that AWS aims to discontinue Pinpoint altogether? Alternatively, are they endeavoring to revitalize it, akin to a vengeful spirit seeking redemption? Or could there be a nefarious pricing strategy at play? As the ethereal specter of Pinpoint looms large, we implore AWS to provide clarity regarding its intentions. If you are a Pinpoint user or contemplating entering this mysterious realm, tune in and share your thoughts in the comments. Will Pinpoint endure, or is it destined to become a fading memory in the annals of technology? 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Oct 06, 202314:49
97. Configuration for AWS Applications (Env vars, SSM, Secrets Manager, AppConfig)

97. Configuration for AWS Applications (Env vars, SSM, Secrets Manager, AppConfig)

Rev up your AWS know-how in this high-octane episode of AWS Bites Podcast, where we take you under the hood to fine-tune your AWS applications configuration! Kicking things off, we rev our engines and stress the vital role of slick configuration management in the world of cloud-based applications, leaving those old-school methods in the dust. Buckle up as we steer you through the twists and turns, starting with the straightforward horsepower of environment variables, giving you the lowdown on what fuels them and when to put the brakes on. We then shift gears to introduce AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store as a simple, yet effective solution that can provide you with all the torque you need. Secrets Manager rolls in next, guarding your valuable secrets with KMS encryption and IAM. The track leads to AppConfig, where they fine-tune your configuration game, ensuring smooth deployments and no pit stops for errors. For the daredevils out there, we open the toolbox and show you how to custom-build your own configuration engine, putting you in the driver's seat. Finally, we rev up the engine one last time and hit the gas with our recommendations, offering you a turbocharged approach to AWS configuration, tailored to your application's needs. So, tighten those bolts and get ready for a ride that'll leave your AWS configuration skills purring like a finely-tuned machine! 🚗💨🔧 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Sep 28, 202334:33
96. AWS Governance and Landing Zone with Control Tower, Org Formation, and Terraform

96. AWS Governance and Landing Zone with Control Tower, Org Formation, and Terraform

In this episode of AWS Bites, Luciano and Eoin dive deep into the world of AWS governance, landing zones, and automation tools. AWS emphasizes the importance of good governance for customers of all sizes, whether you're starting from scratch or have been using AWS for years. But with so many tools available, which one should you choose? Join us as we explore the best practices for setting up your AWS accounts correctly and discover tools that can automate the process, including AWS Control Tower and open-source alternatives like OrgFormation and Terraform. Whether you're new to AWS or a seasoned user, there's something valuable for everyone in this episode. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Sep 21, 202324:18
95. Mounting S3 as a Filesystem

95. Mounting S3 as a Filesystem

Saddle up for a cloud adventure like no other in this episode of AWS Bites, where Eoin and Luciano explore the untamed world of AWS S3 Mountpoint.

Just like a trusty steed on the digital prairie, Mountpoint gallops into action to solve complex use cases, making it a valuable asset for managing massive data, achieving high throughput, and effortlessly fetching information from the AWS S3 wilderness. Dive deep into the inner workings of Mountpoint, a Rust-powered Linux-exclusive application that harnesses the Linux FUSE subsystem to provide optimal S3 performance.

While exploring alternatives like s3fs-fuse and goofys, discover the benefits of sticking to native AWS tools for certain scenarios.

Uncover Mountpoint's performance prowess, thanks to its integration with AWS Common Runtime libraries, and learn when to hop on this cloud cowboy or opt for a more native approach.

Wrapping up, don't forget to check out AWS Storage's blog post for an even deeper dive into Mountpoint's capabilities. Whether you're a seasoned cloud wrangler or a newcomer to the digital rodeo, this video will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the AWS S3 Mountpoint frontier confidently. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Sep 14, 202315:01
94. Get the Most out of CloudTrail with Athena

94. Get the Most out of CloudTrail with Athena

Ever wondered how to gain deep insights into the myriad of activities within your AWS organization accounts? In this episode of AWS Bites, we dive into the world of AWS CloudTrail and Athena, showing you how to seamlessly query and analyze CloudTrail logs for valuable information, troubleshooting, security, and compliance. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Aug 17, 202313:38
93. CDK Patterns - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

93. CDK Patterns - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

In today's episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of CDK Patterns - those ingenious building blocks that can transform your cloud journey. We uncover what CDK Patterns are, where to find them, and why you'll want to use them! With CDK's object-oriented abstraction, L2 and L3 Constructs bring a whole new level of convenience. We'll explore where to find these powerful patterns, from the ones baked right into CDK to the inspiring examples showcased by community websites such as cdkpatterns.com. Why bother with CDK Patterns and L3 Constructs? Well, imagine encapsulating best practices, avoiding tedious configuration repetition, and ensuring a consistent approach across your services. That's just the tip of the iceberg! Of course, we'll be candid about the challenges you might encounter, like versioning and resource oversight. Fear not! We'll share practical tips to address these hurdles, including automated testing and vigilant monitoring using CDK diff functionality. And wait, there's more! We'll reveal some exciting alternatives to CDK Patterns, giving you a broader perspective on reusable modules for your cloud adventures. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Aug 10, 202319:24
92. Decomposing the Monolith Lambda

92. Decomposing the Monolith Lambda

In this episode of AWS Bites, we take you on a captivating migration journey. Together, we'll explore how we transformed fullstackbulletin.com's automation process, leaving behind the complexities of a monolithic AWS Lambda and embracing the efficiency of Step Functions.

Join us as we dive into the challenges of automating a weekly newsletter, trying to strike the perfect balance between automation and manual curation. We'll discover the risks of relying on external services and how we navigated these obstacles during our migration.

Together, we'll uncover the step-by-step process of breaking down the monolithic Lambda architecture and orchestrating a more manageable approach with Step Functions. We will also briefly touch on alternative social platforms like Mastodon and other Twitter alternatives during our migration adventure.

Learn with us about different migration strategies and the crucial role of observability for smooth operations.

Finally, we will share some valuable lessons that you can apply to your production workloads. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Aug 03, 202323:31
91. Our Journeys into Software and AWS

91. Our Journeys into Software and AWS

In this episode, we take a journey through time and technology and learn the origin stories of Eoin and Luciano. In this captivating discussion, they share their paths into the world of software development and their eventual immersion into the realm of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Eoin's story begins in the early days of home computing, where he tinkered with a Spectrum ZX, coding programs and saving them on audio cassettes. He walks us through his computer science studies, securing his first jobs, and his initial encounters with AWS, where skepticism eventually turned into fascination. Meanwhile, Luciano shares his first magical encounter with a computer, igniting his passion for programming, and his subsequent journey into computer science and early work experiences. Moving to Ireland opened doors to work on pioneering cloud projects, leading him to develop tools like Middy and eventually join fourTheorem. The episode delves into their experiences with serverless architecture, solo startups, and how they would approach learning differently if given the chance to do it all again. Join us for a nostalgic, inspiring, and educational episode as we explore the captivating stories that shaped our expertise in the world of AWS. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Jul 27, 202322:16
90. 9 Ideas that would Skyrocket AWS to New Heights

90. 9 Ideas that would Skyrocket AWS to New Heights

AWS is great, but it can surely be better, much better! Today we want to mention 9 things that could help AWS to reach new heights: hard billing limits, better UX and documentation, and much more! We also have a special message to AWS and all the AWS professionals who have helped throughout the years. Join us in this intergalactic journey to improve the leading cloud provider! 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠fourtheorem.com⁠!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Jul 20, 202311:43
89. Should you simulate AWS locally?

89. Should you simulate AWS locally?

Welcome to the epic tale of AWS Bites! In this chapter, we embark on a perilous journey through the challenges of developing distributed applications on AWS. We encounter fierce foes in the form of deployment times and limited access to real AWS services during local development. But fear not, for we have powerful tools at our disposal, including the legendary LocalStack and Serverless offline. And if that's not enough, we have tips and tricks for optimizing our development flow without local simulations, using well-structured code and unit tests. We even share CloudFormation tricks to speed up deployment times and reveal the secret of speeding up the development of IAM policies with Session Policies. So grab your swords and join us on this epic adventure to overcome the challenges of local development on AWS! 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at fourtheorem.com!


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • Localstack coverage: https://docs.localstack.cloud/user-guide/aws/feature-coverage/
  • Localstack v2.0: https://www.infoq.com/news/2023/04/localstack-aws-version-two-ga/
  • Cargo-Lambda: https://www.cargo-lambda.info/
  • AWS .NET Mock Lambda Test Tool - https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/developer/debugging-net-core-aws-lambda-functions-using-the-aws-net-mock-lambda-test-tool/
  • Step Functions Local - local Step Function simulation: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/step-functions/latest/dg/sfn-local.html
  • Article by Yan Cui on the topic of testing serverless applications: https://theburningmonk.com/2022/05/my-testing-strategy-for-serverless-applications/


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Jul 13, 202316:26
88. What is VPC Lattice?

88. What is VPC Lattice?

In this episode of AWS Bites, we discuss VPC Lattice, a new service in the Salad Bowl of AWS Networking. We cover all the concepts, applications, and exciting possibilities for VPC Lattice and share tips on how to use it effectively. We talk about reducing friction between network admin and dev teams and how VPC Lattice can be a game changer for traditional and serverless workloads. Get ready for some greens and don't miss this informative episode of AWS Bites!


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • Our demo repository of VPC Lattice: https://github.com/fourTheorem/vpc-lattice-demo
  • Some useful slides to recap the main concepts about VPC Lattice: https://fourtheorem.github.io/vpc-lattice-demo/
  • Serverless Networking with VPC Lattice (Serverless Office Hours): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4dw8tz_dgc
  • Amazon VPC Lattice workshop: https://catalog.us-east-1.prod.workshops.aws/workshops/9e543f60-e409-43d4-b37f-78ff3e1a07f5/en-US


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Jul 06, 202326:52
87. Interviewing for AWS Roles

87. Interviewing for AWS Roles

Are you interested in landing an AWS role? Or maybe are you looking to hire some cloud talent?! In this episode of the AWS Bites podcast, we share our insights on the interview process we have adopted at fourTheorem. This process is not just about testing AWS knowledge, but it's also about evaluating cultural fit, way of working skills and knowledge, and future plans. From the “Fiona chat” to the technical interview, we provide valuable tips for candidates, such as being honest about your knowledge and asking questions during the interview.


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Jun 29, 202333:08
86. How do you integrate AWS with other clouds?

86. How do you integrate AWS with other clouds?

Are you struggling with securely integrating workloads running on-premises, in Azure, or in any other cloud with a workload running in AWS? In this exciting episode of the AWS Bites podcast, we dive into 6 different options for securely and efficiently integrating workloads between clouds. From providing a public API in AWS with an authorization method to using IAM roles anywhere to using OIDC federated identities, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option. We even cover the use of SSM hybrid activations and creating the interface on the Azure/Data Centre side and polling from AWS. Don't miss out on this informative discussion about the best practices for integrating workloads between clouds. Tune in now and let’s have some cloud fun together!


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • Our repository with an example on how to use IAM Roles Anywhere: https://github.com/fourTheorem/iam-roles-anywhere-demo/
  • aws_signing_helper CLI: https://github.com/aws/rolesanywhere-credential-helper
  • Detailed article on how to set up OIDC Federated Identities: https://blog.identitydigest.com/azuread-access-aws/
  • Our previous episode on OIDC providers: https://awsbites.com/45-what-s-the-magic-of-oidc-identity-providers/


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Jun 22, 202320:51
85. Tip for Attending AWS Events

85. Tip for Attending AWS Events

In the latest episode of AWS Bites Podcast, Luciano and Eoin share their insider tips on how to get the most out of in-person AWS events like summits, re:Inforce, or re:Invent.

From networking to swag hoarding, they cover everything you need to know to make the most of these conferences. Learn how to convince your employer to let you attend and how to plan ahead to get the most out of the event. Plus, hear about the fun activities and after-parties you won't want to miss.

Don't miss out on this must-listen episode if you're attending an AWS event soon!


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • AWS Events app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiquityinc.awsevents&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1
  • AWS Events app for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aws-events/id1457242918


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Jun 15, 202326:12
84. Are VPCs an anti-pattern?

84. Are VPCs an anti-pattern?

In this episode of AWS Bites, we explore the future of Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) in the context of the zero-trust security trend.


We'll dive into the pros and cons of using VPCs, including their usefulness when dealing with sensitive data or when you need fine-grained control over your network environment. But let's be real, sometimes VPCs can be a bit of a headache. We'll discuss why you might want to avoid them, including the added complexity they can bring to your network environment.


Fear not, we'll also provide a summary of when to use and when not to use VPCs, as well as alternatives to using VPCs, such as services that don't require them.

So, are ready to talk VPCs!?


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • Our previous episode on Bastion hosts: https://awsbites.com/78-when-do-you-need-a-bastion-host/
  • AWS announcement for improved Lambda VPC connection (2019): https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/compute/announcing-improved-vpc-networking-for-aws-lambda-functions/


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Jun 08, 202320:52
88. What is VPC Lattice?

88. What is VPC Lattice?

VPC Lettuce is a new service form AWS that lets you pay per leaf instead of buying a whole lettuce up front. Pricing starts at $0.50 per gram per second.

Jun 06, 202326:52
83. Bucket List of S3 Best Practices

83. Bucket List of S3 Best Practices

In this episode of the AWS Bites podcast, we explore the best practices for creating and configuring S3 Buckets, Amazon Web Services' popular object storage service. We will learn how to set up buckets correctly from the start, avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring efficient management.


We provide a quick recap of Amazon S3, covering buckets, objects, and various use cases. Discover the importance of globally unique bucket names, versioning, and observability through logging and metrics. We will tell you how to ensure the security of your buckets with encryption options and proper access controls.


Finally, we discuss S3 integrations and additional settings you might consider for your workload.


Don't miss this insightful episode packed with practical tips and expert advice. Tune in now and optimize your S3 Bucket setup for success!


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • Our previous episode on How to deploy static websites on AWS: https://awsbites.com/3-how-do-you-deploy-a-static-website-on-aws/
  • Our previous episode on How to deploy private static websites on AWS: https://awsbites.com/80-can-you-do-private-static-websites-on-aws/
  • Official documentation for S3 buckets server logs: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/latest/userguide/ServerLogs.html
  • AWS S3 Storage Lens: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/s3-storage-lens/
  • Yan Cui's article on S3 Object encryption: https://theburningmonk.com/2023/01/yes-s3-now-encrypts-objects-by-default-but-your-job-is-not-done-yet/


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Jun 01, 202322:45
82. Redis on AWS: Is ElastiCache the Right Choice?

82. Redis on AWS: Is ElastiCache the Right Choice?

Who is the king of all databases when it comes to performance? Yes, Redis! Of course!

In this episode of AWS Bites, we talk about Redis on ElastiCache, one of the most essential instruments in the cloud architect's toolbox.

We explore the joys and woes of Redis on AWS and share some exciting alternatives regarding in-memory databases and caching systems.

We discuss the use cases of Redis, including session storage, web page caching, database cache, cost optimization, queues and pub/sub messaging, and distributed applications state.

We extensively talk about ElastiCache, the managed cache solution on AWS based on either Redis or Memcache, and its features such as replication groups, auto-scaling, and monitoring.

Finally, we discuss potential alternatives, such as DynamoDB (with DAX), Upstash, or Momento, a serverless cache built on Pelikan.


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • Elasticache: https://aws.amazon.com/elasticache/
  • Upstash: https://upstash.com/
  • Momento: https://www.gomomento.com/


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

May 25, 202321:39
81. Remote VSCode with EC2 and Cloud9

81. Remote VSCode with EC2 and Cloud9

Are you tired of being stuck in your local development environment? Do you dream of coding from a beach in Sicily? Well, get ready to make those dreams a reality with this episode of AWS Bites!

Today we are here to show you how to use VSCode to develop against a remote Cloud9 instance on AWS.

You'll learn how to edit in VSCode instead of using the Cloud9 editor, so you can take advantage of the power of the cloud and code from anywhere while staying in the comfort of your favourite code editor.

We'll cover two ways to edit in VSCode: with SSM and with VSCode Tunnels. With these setups, you can code from home, a coffee shop, or even a beach in Sicily (if you like granitas and sunshine). Plus, you'll get to use that fancy iPad you spent all that money on (also) for coding!

Get comfortable and let’s learn how to set up our next remote coding environment!


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • Visual Studio Code Server: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/remote/vscode-server
  • Our previous episode "When do you need a bastion host?": https://awsbites.com/78-when-do-you-need-a-bastion-host/
  • Instructions to set up your own VS Code integration with Cloud9: https://gist.github.com/lmammino/13f8ae95b222919c51b42153bfc71637
  • Our live series stream "Coding a serverless file transfer app on AWS": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAWXFhe0N1vI1_z-06EzJ22pz95_gBrId


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

May 18, 202311:24
80. Can you do private static websites on AWS?

80. Can you do private static websites on AWS?

In this episode of the AWS Bites podcast, we discuss the challenges of hosting private static websites on AWS. We explore why it's important to host internal corporate applications and line of business applications only for internal consumption, and the requirements for doing so. We also evaluate different options for hosting private static websites, including S3 with CloudFront, containers on ECS/Fargate with ALB, API Gateway, and AppRunner. Finally, we summarize the pros and cons of each option and provide a rating for each. If you're looking to host a private static website on AWS, this episode is a must-listen!


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • Our previous episode "How do you deploy a static website in AWS?": https://awsbites.com/3-how-do-you-deploy-a-static-website-on-aws/
  • Our previous episode "How do you use Lambda response streaming": https://awsbites.com/77-how-do-you-use-lambda-response-streaming
  • Our previous episode "How do you do Functionless APIs?": https://awsbites.com/79-how-do-you-do-functionless-apis
  • Open issue on GitHub for private hosted zones support for App Runner: https://github.com/aws/apprunner-roadmap/issues/183


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

May 11, 202319:12
79. How do you do Functionless APIs?

79. How do you do Functionless APIs?

In this exciting episode of the AWS Bites podcast, we're diving into the fascinating world of functionless applications. Yes, you heard it right! We'll be exploring how reducing the number of lambda functions can simplify your applications, resulting in lower latency, no cold starts, and cheaper costs.

But don't worry, we still love lambda! We'll be explaining the pros and cons of this approach, taking you through a step-by-step guide on how to use service proxies and manipulate the input for the target service using VTL.

And that's not all! We also share some helpful resources for those interested in learning more about this approach, including blog posts from some of the brightest minds in the field like Alex DeBrie, Sheen Brisals, and Paul Swail.

So, tune in and learn how to simplify your applications, reduce costs, and take your AWS game to the next level with functionless applications!


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

  • Blog post from Alex DeBrie on API Gateway Service Proxy: https://www.alexdebrie.com/posts/aws-api-gateway-service-proxy/
  • Another blog post on Service Proxy by Sheen Brisals: https://sbrisals.medium.com/dont-wait-for-functionless-write-less-functions-instead-8f2c331cd651
  • "Some code is more equal than others" by Paul Swail https://serverlessfirst.com/some-code-more-equal/


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

May 04, 202310:50
78. When do you need a bastion host?

78. When do you need a bastion host?

Harken, good sir! Art thou aware of the arcane art of safeguarding thy AWS instances from malevolent threats whilst keeping them accessible for thy travels? There exists a mighty tool for such purpose, and it is hight the "bastion host." In this pamphlet, we shalt unravel the mysteries of the bastion host and showeth thee how to useth it to safeguard thy web space. We shall commence by presenting a shadowy example architecture and introducing thee to the definition of a bastion host. We shalt then delve into the question of whether bastion hosts could be a security liability and explore the enigmatic concept of port-knocking. We shalt also take thee on a valiant journey of how to provision a bastion host on AWS, and explaineth the cryptic basics of SSH and tunnels. Thou shalt discover the dark side of managing SSH keys and auditing SSH connections, and we shall reveal the secrets of AWS EC2 Instance Connect and AWS Session Manager (SSM) as solutions. Thou shalt learn how to accept connections without exposing a port on the public internet, and we shall introduce thee to a mysterious tool called "basti" that can make it easier to provision SSM-based bastion hosts and connect to thy databases. We shalt wrap up by revealing alternative security measures to the mysterious bastion host and provide thee with cryptic closing notes to summarize the key takeaways from this video. Heed our call to this intriguing guide to securing thy web space, and may the forces of the internet be in thy favor! 🛡️ SPONSORS 🛡️ Harken, good folk! We would like to offer our deepest gratitude to our noble sponsor, fourTheorem (https://fourtheorem.com), an AWS Consulting Partner that doth offer training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture. Thanks to their generosity, we are able to continue on our journey of imparting wisdom and knowledge regarding AWS.


Verily, in this episode, we hath made mention of the following resources:


Hear ye, hear ye! AWS Bites is at thy disposal wherever thou mayest listen to thy podcasts:

Apr 27, 202327:23
77. How do you use Lambda Response Streaming?

77. How do you use Lambda Response Streaming?

Are you tired of waiting for your Lambda functions to finish before getting a response? Well, now you don't have to! In this episode of the AWS Bites podcast, we will talk about Lambda Response Streaming, a new feature recently added by AWS that lets you stream responses from your Lambda functions in real time. We'll start by explaining what Lambda Response Streaming is and how it differs from buffering. We'll also discuss HTTP Chunking and other benefits of streaming. If you're a Node.js developer, you'll be happy to know that we'll cover how to work with streams in Node.js and how the new Lambda Response Streaming API works with the Node.js runtime. But that's not all! We'll also discuss how to consume Lambda Response Streaming responses and compare that with S3 Object Response. And if you're wondering about pricing and quotas, we'll cover that too. Finally, we'll answer the question on everyone's mind: will we get streaming requests as well? You'll have to watch the video to find out! So if you're interested in learning more about Lambda Response Streaming and how it can improve the performance of your serverless applications, make sure to tune in. We promise it'll be worth your time.


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Apr 20, 202326:50
76. Unboxing AWS Copilot

76. Unboxing AWS Copilot

In this episode, we're doing something different! Join us for a special screen-sharing edition of our podcast series, as we take a deep dive into AWS Copilot, a service designed to simplify container application deployment on AWS. During this video, we'll be sharing our screens as we walk through the AWS Copilot landing page and documentation, and demonstrate how to use the service to deploy a container application. We highly recommend watching the video version of this episode, as we'll be providing a lot of visual guidance and examples. Starting with the basics, we'll learn about the differences between copilot init and copilot app init, and how to prepare our environment using a custom domain. We'll then walk through the deployment process step-by-step, examining the generated configuration file, manifest.yml, and testing our deployed application. Next, we'll explore the networking resources created by AWS Copilot, including a VPC, subnets, and a load balancer, and review the automation capabilities of CodePipeline. We'll also discuss the options available for rolling out new changes, and demonstrate how to make changes and re-deploy through the pipeline. Throughout the video, we will share their thoughts and opinions on AWS Copilot, including a failed attempt with AppRunner and a review of the pipeline execution and timing.


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Apr 13, 202348:27
75. GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT: Game Changers for Developers?

75. GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT: Game Changers for Developers?

In this special episode of AWS Bites, we drop all our opinions about the sudden growth of AI and how it is going to change the future as we know it! We begin by taking a trip down memory lane and discovering the types of AI tools that have been used in the past and how they have helped us. Then, we'll dive into ChatGPT, a language model that can assist us in writing and even creating code. We're especially excited to discuss how ChatGPT can be used to create slide decks or even write a book or a blog post. But wait, there's more! We'll also explore the utility of other AI tools such as Grammarly and OpenAI Whisper for improving our writing and transcribing spoken words into text. Moving forward, we'll examine how we tried to use AI to develop cloud applications on platforms like AWS. We'll also consider the impact of AI on the education system and how it can be used to modernize complex systems, or for learning, including programming languages that are new to developers. Now, we know there might be some concerns about using AI, such as whether it takes away the fun of software engineering or reduces creativity. But fear not! We'll address these concerns head-on and explore how AI can actually make us more productive and lead to exciting new discoveries. Finally, we'll discuss the exciting possibilities for AI and its potential to democratize access to the job market and society in general.


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


🎁 BONUS CONTENT A Limerick by ChatGPT On the Amazon Cloud far away, Where businesses went to play, The costs grew so vast, Their budgets were trashed, As their dollars all floated away!


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Apr 06, 202350:22
74. Function URLs vs API Gateway

74. Function URLs vs API Gateway

How can you use a Lambda to respond to an HTTP request? There are more ways than ever to do it. We have API Gateway REST APIs, Lambda support for Application Load Balancer, and now Function URLs. But which one should you use, and when? In this episode of AWS Bites podcast, we will give you a quick and simple guide to picking the best way to build APIs with Lambda. In this video, we're going to pitch Function URLs against API Gateway in a battle for the ages! Function URLs offer a simple and quick way to get a public URL to invoke a Lambda function, with fewer configuration options and cheaper pricing. They are suitable for private webhooks, simple backend functions, and machine learning inference backend. However, they lack authorization and DDoS protection, making them unsuitable for public webhooks. On the other hand, API Gateway offers more features and control, making it suitable for public APIs. API Gateway comes in two flavors: REST and HTTP with some subtle differences. Finally, we will also cover Application Load balancer and explore when and why it can be a convenient alternative to both Function URLs and API Gateway.


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Mar 30, 202323:05
73. What is AWS Application Composer?

73. What is AWS Application Composer?

In this episode, we're going to be talking about AWS Application Composer - a FREE service that promises to help you build serverless applications with ease. With its simple drag-and-drop interface, it's supposed to make Infrastructure as Code a breeze. But the real question is - does it live up to the hype? We know a lot of you are probably struggling with building applications using CloudFormation. It's a real pain, right? So, we decided to take Application Composer for a spin and see if it's worth adding to your toolkit or giving it a hard pass. After covering a generic overview of the service, how it works, and the main concepts, we discuss our experience in creating a new simple serverless application from scratch only using API Gateway, Lambda, and S3. Then we cover what it looks like to import an existing project (a slightly more complicated one) into Application Composer and find out what works and what doesn't. We conclude by discussing some other things that didn't work as expected and by providing our general recommendation on whether you should be using this service today.


💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠fourTheorem⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.


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Mar 24, 202327:51
72. How do you save cost with ECS?

72. How do you save cost with ECS?

AWS ECS is a powerful service that allows you to run containerized applications at scale. It's suitable for a variety of use cases, including web applications, microservices, and background processing.

In this episode, we'll provide an introduction to the main concepts of ECS and then dive into cost-optimization strategies. We'll explore the different options for running containers on ECS, including EC2, Fargate, and ECS Anywhere.

We'll discuss various opportunities for saving money, such as using Arm (Graviton) instances, Spot instances, Compute Savings Plans, and RIs or EC2 Saving Plans.

Finally, we'll cover how to set up ECS to use Spot instances, including how to create capacity providers and specify a capacity provider strategy. We'll also discuss whether it's always best to use EC2 instead of Fargate for cost optimization and recommend some tools that can help you find other opportunities to save on container costs.

💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by fourTheorem, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Mar 17, 202321:55
71. Should I be worried about adopting serverless?

71. Should I be worried about adopting serverless?

Join us as we explore the controversy surrounding serverless computing in this week's video! We'll be discussing David Heinemeier Hansson's recent blog post where he argues that serverless is a trap that only benefits cloud providers.

While we respect DHH's opinion, we'll be providing an alternative perspective by analyzing his major points and discussing the benefits of using serverless computing, including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and increased agility. We'll also be highlighting how serverless can help teams focus on business logic instead of infrastructure management and enable easier integration with other cloud services, making it more efficient to build and deploy applications.

Don't miss out on this informative and thought-provoking discussion!

💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by fourTheorem, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

Mar 10, 202320:40