AWS Lambda Function: How it Works and How to Create it

AWS Lambda is a server-less computing service that lets the developers run their code in the standard runtime environment of Lambda without having to worry about server handling with ZERO SUPERVISION. To develop any AWS cloud service or application creating a Lambda function is a must. Here we discuss how AWS Lambda function work and creating a Lambda function. 

What is AWS Lambda?

As defined by the AWS official source, "AWS Lambda is a compute service that lets you run code without provisioning or managing servers. It executes your code only when needed and scales automatically, from a few requests per day to thousands per second."

How AWS Lambda Works?

Developers can start using AWS Lambda services, either by uploading the code or coding directly in the Lambda’s code editor and mention the conditions triggers the code. The code executed on the lambda run time environment is called a lambda function. With this any event can prompt your function, without developers worrying about handling the server or  getting the right type of application or resource. Meaning that businesses don’t have to pay when your code is not running, thereby saving on server costs.

Once an event triggers, Lambda runs associated code by picking resources to execute an event, by making use of  the best resources available in the infrastructure ecosystem. Thereby enabling businesses to have intelligent management of IT infrastructure. The AWS Lambda run-time environment's control plane entity consists of APIs that facilitate AWS resources for the application execution. Another key aspect of run time environment is data pane, this provides APIs to run the functions. Whenever a function is called to run a function, data pane facilitates either a dedicated execution environment or uses the allotted one. This execution environment is never shared with other functions.

Figure: Workflow of AWS Lambda

Advantages of AWS Lambda

• Users can run the applications either from the web or in a mobile platform.
• Lambda makes use of AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) module to ensure that only the right users or groups get access to the application or function.
• Lambda speeds up the execution process and scales your application or code, by executing the events triggering a particular code.
• Developers don't have to focus on infrastructure to run an application, allowing them to focus on business logic.
• Strong APIs enable user applications to easily integrate with innovative AWS services like AI and machine learning to develop intelligent business applications or add intelligence into your applications.

Process For Creating AWS Lambda Function

Step 1: Login into your AWS account and click on “Sign in to the Console.”                                         

Step 2: Enter your login ID and password.

Step 3: Select Lambda under "AWS Services"                                                               

Step 4: Click on “Create Function”                              

Step 5: Select options and click on “Create Function” button

Function Type: Author from scratch

Name : lambdaBlog

Runtime: Node.js 10.x

Role: Choose an existing role / Create any custom rule

Existing Role: lambda_basic_execution

Step 6: Now you will be able to see the below screen. Choose a way to upload/create code in the lambda function.                                              

Step 7: Now you can write your code in the editor provided, it runs on Nodejs which we selected earlier.

Step 8:  Handler name should be the same as your function name, this way AWS knows which function to execute.

Step 9: We can add more options like execution timeout, environment variables, tags to group out our other functions, memory etc.        

Step 10: Click "Save."           

Step 11: Now copy ARN number on the top right corner.