Lambda deployment packages are a ZIP file that AWS Lambda uses to install your code and dependencies. When preparing deployment packages, you have several options based on your development language, development environment, and management requirements. These options are handy for AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02) exam candidates.

Batch deployments, code repositories (like AWS CodeCommit), direct deployment from SAM or the Serverless application repository are among the viable deployment packaging options.

The use of AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) and AWS SDK’s for programmatic creation and deployment of packages is also a great option. While there’s no specific Lambda function code to show, the deployment commands vary with the chosen packaging type.

Table of Contents

1. AWS Lambda Deployment Package in .ZIP or .JAR file.

You can create a .zip file archive or Java .jar file of your code and any dependencies and then upload it to Lambda. The file should include your code and any dependencies. The structure and format of the package depend on the language.

For example, in Node.js and Python, the root of your .zip file should contain your function code and any dependencies. In Node.js, you should include the ‘node_modules’ folder. In Python, you should include the ‘.dist-info’ folders for each dependency.

Command line example for creating a ZIP deployment package in Node.js:

npm install
zip -r function.zip .

The same package structure requirement applies to Java and .NET languages. However, you must build your code into a standalone .jar or .dll file and include that with any required libraries in the root of the .zip file.

2. AWS Lambda Layer

A layer is a distribution mechanism for libraries, custom runtimes, and other function dependencies. Layers promote code sharing and separation of responsibilities so that you can manage your code.

For example, you could create a layer that contains your function’s dependencies:

  • Create a directory, ‘my-python-lib’.
  • Store your libraries here.
  • Create the layer package:

cd my-python-lib
zip -r my-python-lib.zip .

  • Upload this to AWS Lambda

aws lambda publish-layer-version –layer-name my-python-lib –zip-file fileb://my-python-lib.zip

A Lambda function can use up to five layers at a time. The total unzipped size of the function and all layers cannot exceed the unzipped deployment package size limit of 250 MB.

3. AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM)

AWS SAM is an open-source framework for building serverless applications. It extends AWS CloudFormation to provide a simplified way of defining the resources needed by your serverless application.

You can use AWS SAM to package and deploy your Lambda functions. This includes local testing, validating AWS SAM template files, fetching dependencies, creating deployment packages, and deploying your application to the AWS Cloud.

Here are the steps:

  • Write or update the sam template (template.yaml) with your AWS Lambda function and any additional AWS resources it uses.
  • Use the sam package command to upload your code to an S3 bucket and produce a packaged AWS SAM template file.

sam package –output-template-file packaged.yaml –s3-bucket your_s3_bucket

  • Deploy your serverless application using the sam deploy command and the packaged AWS SAM file.

sam deploy –template-file packaged.yaml –region your_aws_region –capabilities CAPABILITY_IAM –stack-name your_stack_name

In conclusion, AWS offers varied deployment packaging options for AWS Lambda. The choice depends on a development environment, system architecture, and management requirements. Understanding these methods and their use can significantly help when preparing for the AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02) exam.

Practice Test

True/False: AWS Lambda supports only .zip or .jar files for deployment packages.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: Besides .zip or .jar files, AWS Lambda also supports deployment packages in the format of container images.

AWS Lambda has an integration with which of the following AWS services for deployment? (Multiple select)

  • A) AWS CodeCommit
  • B) AWS CloudTrail
  • C) AWS S3
  • D) AWS CloudFormation

Answer: A, C, D

Explanation: AWS Lambda is integrated with AWS CodeCommit, AWS S3, and AWS CloudFormation for facilitating the process of deployment.

The maximum size of a deployment package when directly uploading to Lambda is:

  • A) 5 MB
  • B) 50 MB
  • C) 500 MB
  • D) 5 GB

Answer: B

Explanation: The maximum size limit of a deployment package when directly uploading to Lambda is 50 MB.

True/False: You can upload your deployment package directly to AWS Lambda from your local machine.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: AWS provides an option to upload your code directly from your local machine.

Which of the following are valid sources for a deployment package for AWS Lambda? (Multiple select)

  • A) AWS EC2
  • B) AWS S3
  • C) AWS EBS
  • D) Docker Image

Answer: B, D

Explanation: AWS Lambda supports deployment packages delivered via AWS S3 or as a Docker image.

The maximum size for a deployment package in S3 is:

  • A) 5 MB
  • B) 50 MB
  • C) 500 MB
  • D) 5 GB

Answer: D

Explanation: If deploying via S3, the maximum size of a deployment package can be up to 5 GB.

True/False: AWS Lambda supports deployment package in tar.gz format.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: AWS Lambda does not support the tar.gz format for deployment packages.

True/False: Deployment packages can contain both your program code and its dependencies.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: Deployment packages for AWS Lambda can include both the function code and any dependencies.

Which of the following file types are allowed in a deployment package for Lambda function?

  • A) .js
  • B) .json
  • C) .py
  • D) All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: All these files type (.js, .json, .py) can be included in the Lambda function deployment package.

True/False: When using AWS-provided public images as a base, you can only use runtimes that are pre-installed on the image.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: You can add any compatible runtime to an AWS-provided image if the desired runtime is not pre-installed.

True/False: If you are using an image to define a lambda function, you cannot add extension scripts.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: You can add extension scripts in both /opt and /var/task directories when defining a lambda function with an image.

True/False: You can use SAM (Serverless Application Model) to package and deploy Lambda applications?

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: SAM is an AWS tool specifically designed for packaging and deploying serverless applications, including Lambda functions.

What is the maximum uncompressed deployment package size for AWS Lambda?

  • A) 250MB
  • B) 500MB
  • C) 750MB
  • D) 1000MB

Answer: A

Explanation: For AWS Lambda, the maximum size of a deployment package when unpacked/expanded should not exceed 250 MB.

True or False: AWS Lambda supports only publicly accessible Docker images.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: AWS Lambda supports both public and private Docker images hosted in Amazon Elastic Container Registry (ECR).

True/False: You need to specify the execution role while creating a Lambda function deployment package.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: An execution role is required for Lambda functions to give them permissions to access AWS resources.

Interview Questions

What is AWS Lambda in terms of the AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02) exam?

AWS Lambda is a serverless compute service that executes your code in response to triggers and automatically manages the infrastructure required for those executions.

What is a deployment package in AWS Lambda?

A deployment package is a ZIP archive that contains your code and any dependencies. The deployment package is uploaded to AWS Lambda to execute your code.

What are the typical packaging options for deploying to Lambda?

The packaging options for deploying to Lambda include Zip archive, Docker image, and Container Image.

How is the Zip archive used for Lambda deployment packaging?

The Zip archive contains the function’s code and its dependencies. You can develop your function code in any text editor, and then create the Zip archive using either the AWS Management Console or the AWS CLI.

What is Docker image packaging for Lambda and how is it used?

Docker image packaging for Lambda allows users to build and deploy Lambda functions as container images of up to 10 GB in size. It uses familiar container tooling, workflows, and dependencies from your local development environment to AWS Lambda.

How does using Docker image packaging benefit developers?

Using Docker image packaging allows developers to easily build, test, and deploy their code to AWS Lambda, leveraging the benefits of Docker and other container services. It simplifies the processes involved in deployment and lets them include any necessary system libraries and dependencies directly in their deployment package.

What are the main steps for creating a Lambda function deployment package?

The main steps include writing your code, including any necessary libraries, frameworks, or SDKs, packaging your code and dependencies in a ZIP file or Docker image, and then uploading that package to the AWS Lambda service.

What is the AWS SAM and how does it relate to Lambda deployment packaging?

The AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM) is an open-source framework for building serverless applications. It enables you to describe or template your serverless apps, including your AWS Lambda functions, in a straightforward and concise manner, helping you to manage your deployment packaging effectively.

How is Container Image used for Lambda deployment packaging?

With Container Image, you can package and deploy Lambda functions as container images. It is an alternative to Zip deployment packages. It offers more compatibility and manages execution environments more easily.

What benefits does AWS Lambda offer when it comes to deployment packaging?

AWS Lambda lets developers run their code without provisioning or managing the servers. It automatically scales applications in response to each trigger. The service processes each trigger individually, scaling precisely with the size of the workload, from a few requests per day to hundreds of thousands per second.

Can I use both Zip archives and Docker images for Lambda deployment?

Yes, you have the flexibility to use either deployment package. Depending on your use-case and requirements, you can use Zip archives, Docker images, or even Container Images for Lambda deployment.

When might a developer want to use a Docker image rather than a Zip archive for a Lambda function?

A developer might prefer using Docker images if they want to simplify packaging and deployment of applications. Docker images provide a consistent and reproducible environment that’s suitable for development, testing, and deployment. Moreover, Docker container images can include all the necessary dependencies, eliminating the need for separate installation and setup.

How do I upload a Lambda function’s deployment package?

You can upload a Lambda function’s deployment package either directly in the console or from an Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) bucket during function creation.

Is it possible to update a Lambda Function’s code with a new package once it has been deployed?

Yes, you can update a function’s deployment package at any time to add new code or dependencies. After updating the code, AWS Lambda will execute the new version of your function when it is triggered.

How does AWS Lambda ensure the security and isolation of a function’s deployment package?

AWS Lambda isolates each function execution environment from other functions by design. It also encrypts function deployment packages at rest in the AWS Lambda service and during transit to the function execution environment.

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