Lambda

Example architecture useing Lambda

SAM is sort of like a front end for CloudFormation:

For Multicloud architecture use Serverless Framework rather then AWS SAM:

Amazon EventBridge is designed to link variety of AWS and 3rd party apps to rules logic for launching other event-based actions.

AWS Lambda Overview

AWS Lambda is a cornerstone of AWS's serverless architecture, enabling code execution without managing infrastructure. This service represents a fundamental shift in cloud computing, focusing on functions rather than traditional application hosting.

Key Characteristics

• On-demand code execution

• No infrastructure management required

• Stateless execution model

• Automatic scaling capabilities

• Pay-per-use pricing model

Supported Languages

• Node.js

• Python

• Java

• Go

• C#

• Custom runtime support for additional languages

Integration Capabilities

• Amazon SNS

• Amazon SQS

• Amazon S3

• DynamoDB

• Various other AWS services

Architectural Patterns

Fan-Out Architecture

A common Lambda implementation pattern that enables parallel processing:

1. Initial trigger receives data/instruction

2. Primary Lambda function initiates multiple parallel functions

3. Parallel functions execute independently

4. Enables efficient distributed processing

State Management

• Lambda functions are inherently stateless

• State must be managed through external services

• Common state storage options:

  • DynamoDB

  • S3

  • Other AWS persistence services

AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM)

Overview

• Open-source framework for serverless development

• Simplifies serverless application deployment

• Acts as a front-end for CloudFormation

• Uses YAML for configuration

Key Features

1. Local Testing

   • Test applications before cloud deployment

   • Local debugging capabilities

   • Simplified development workflow

2. CLI Tools

   • Command-line interface for management

   • Deployment automation

   • Testing utilities

3. CloudFormation Integration

   • Generates CloudFormation templates

   • Manages AWS resource creation

   • Ensures consistent deployments

Example SAM Template Structure

Runtime: nodejs14.x
Handler: index.handler
Function: ImageProcessor
Properties:
  Memory: 128
  Timeout: 30

Development Benefits

• Streamlined deployment process

• Local testing capabilities

• Built-in best practices

• AWS service integration

Amazon EventBridge

Purpose

• Event-driven architecture enablement

• Third-party service integration

• AWS service coordination

Key Features

1. Integration Capabilities

   • Pre-integrated third-party services

   • AWS service connections

   • Custom application support

2. Event Processing

   • Rule-based event routing

   • Event pattern matching

   • Target action execution

3. Use Cases

   • Service integration

   • Automated workflows

   • Event-driven applications

Common Integrations

• Zendesk ticket creation

• Lambda function triggers

• SNS notifications

• Custom application events

Serverless Framework Comparison

AWS SAM

• AWS-specific focus

• Native AWS integration

• Simplified AWS deployment

• CloudFormation-based

Serverless Framework

• Multi-cloud support

• Broader provider options

• Platform-agnostic approach

• Extended functionality

Best Practices

Architecture Design

• Embrace stateless design

• Plan for parallel execution

• Consider integration points

• Implement proper error handling

Development Workflow

• Utilize local testing

• Implement proper monitoring

• Consider cold start impacts

• Manage function dependencies

Cost Optimization

• Monitor execution duration

• Optimize memory allocation

• Consider concurrent execution

• Implement proper timeout values

Exam Considerations

Key Points

• Understanding of Lambda concepts

• Knowledge of serverless architecture

• Familiarity with integration options

• Awareness of scaling capabilities

Focus Areas

• Service integration possibilities

• Architectural patterns

• State management approaches

• Development tool options

Additional Resources

• AWS SAM documentation

• Pre-made serverless applications

• AWS Lambda documentation

• EventBridge integration guides

Note: While detailed Lambda implementation knowledge isn't required for the exam, understanding its role in serverless architectures and integration capabilities is essential.