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Bookmark the latest top tips on AWS cloud development tools
Catch up on recent expert advice about important AWS updates for developers, including Step Functions integrations, expanded Lambda functionality and the release of Amazon Corretto.
AWS cloud development consistently evolves in response to new tools, services and migration techniques.
Developers often struggle to keep track of all the updates to the AWS platform, and they don't always know which changes could benefit their workflows. Check out some of our latest expert advice to help your IT team stay on top of its AWS deployment options.
Decide if Amazon Corretto is the best fit for Java devs on AWS
AWS gave Java developers another alternative with Amazon Corretto, a no-cost, multiplatform distribution of the Open Java Development Kit (OpenJDK). Amazon Corretto, available in versions 8 and 11, can be used to create and test software written in Java. AWS promised to support Corretto until at least 2024. Corretto is, in part, a response to Oracle pulling back its free Java support. Learn how to install and use Amazon Corretto, and see where it stands among other JDK offerings.
Centralize DevOps and development on AWS with CodeStar
One way to consolidate development on AWS is with CodeStar, a central console where you can view and manage all your software development projects at once. Codestar integrates with all of AWS' key development services, such as CodeCommit, CodeBuild and CloudFormation. Developers can work with various project templates, deployment models and programming languages within CodeStar templates. This service covers a range of development steps, such as source control and infrastructure deployment. It can also be used to grant proper permissions and access.
AWS Step Functions adds eight new integrations
AWS Step Functions now integrates with DynamoDB, SageMaker, Elastic Container Service (ECS), Fargate and more. Step Functions manages and configures tasks in complex, multicomponent workflows. The ECS and Fargate integrations simplify the implementation processes in particular since developers no longer have to write custom code to link to Lambda and custom workers. Follow this rundown of the added Step Functions integrations to see which suit your workflows.
AWS Lambda functions become more flexible, but use caution
AWS updated Lambda with additional runtimes and longer timeouts. Lambda timeouts were tripled, from five to 15 minutes, which enables the service to run heavier tasks. The custom runtimes feature removes the limit of initial default Lambda runtimes, which makes it easier to migrate long-running workloads from your data center to the cloud. These changes make Lambda more flexible and accessible to a wider range of applications. Find out more about these developments, along with the Lambda shortcomings that still remain.
Use AWS Firecracker to build micro VMs for containerized apps
With the addition of Firecracker, AWS gave its users yet another cloud development tool. Firecracker can be used to builds micro VMs, which serve as an alternative to containers and traditional VMs. Micro VMs continue to rise in popularity due to their fast startup times, low resource use, secure nature and multi-tenant capabilities. Firecracker is AWS' addition to micro VM trend and has been officially open sourced to support serverless workloads. Dig into what you need to know about Firecracker and how you could incorporate it into your AWS cloud development strategy.
