EC2 Image Builder Training Summary

Overview

EC2 Image Builder is an AWS service that automates the creation, maintenance, validation, and testing of Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) for EC2 instances.

Key Points

• Automated Creation: Automates the process of building customized virtual machine or container images.
• Maintenance and Validation: Helps in maintaining and validating the newly created AMIs.
• Testing: Allows for automated testing of AMIs to ensure they meet predefined criteria.
• Distribution: Facilitates the distribution of AMIs across multiple regions, enhancing global accessibility.
• Scheduling: Offers the ability to run image building processes on a schedule, when packages are updated, or manually.
• Cost: The service itself is free, but users pay for the underlying resources used during the image creation and distribution process.

How EC2 Image Builder Works

1. Builder EC2 Instance: An EC2 instance is automatically created to build components and customize software (e.g., installing Java, updating CLI, installing firewalls, etc.).
2. AMI Creation: Once customization is complete, an AMI is created from the builder EC2 instance.
3. Validation: A test EC2 instance is launched from the AMI to run a series of predefined tests to ensure functionality and security.
4. Distribution: After testing, the AMI can be distributed to multiple regions to support a global workflow.
5. Scheduling: Users can set up a schedule for when the EC2 Image Builder should run (weekly, on package updates, or manually).

Costs Involved

• EC2 Instances: You pay for the EC2 instances used during the image building and testing process.
• AMI Storage: You pay for the storage of the AMI in each region where it has been created and distributed.