Introduction

Overview

In this exercise, you will learn how to use the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) to interact with AWS services.

AWS CLI

The AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) is an open-source tool that enables you to interact with AWS services using commands in a terminal. It provides functionality equivalent to the AWS Management Console, allowing you to automate tasks and manage AWS resources more efficiently.

The AWS CLI supports various command environments:

  • Linux Shells – Use popular shells like Bash, Zsh, or Tcsh on Linux or macOS.
  • Windows Command Line – Run commands in the Windows Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  • Remote Access – Use tools like PuTTY, SSH, or AWS Systems Manager to run commands on an Amazon EC2 instance.

All administrative tasks available in the AWS Management Console can be performed using the AWS CLI or API. New AWS services and features are made available in the CLI and API either immediately upon release or within 180 days.

The AWS CLI provides direct access to the public APIs of AWS services, enabling you to:

  • Explore and interact with AWS services.
  • Automate resource management through scripts.
  • Use higher-level commands that simplify interactions with services that have complex APIs.

The AWS CLI is a powerful tool for managing cloud infrastructure efficiently and can be customized for advanced use cases.