Crack the AWS Lambda Code: Top 10 AWS Lambda Interview Questions with Answers Revealed!

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the top 10 AWS Lambda interview questions, offering an in-depth look at key concepts surrounding AWS's serverless computing service. Topics include the basics of AWS Lambda, its comparison to EC2, supported programming languages, deployment packages, managing state, concurrency, and more. Viewers gain insights into how Lambda works, how it scales, and how to address issues like cold starts. This session is ideal for anyone preparing for AWS Lambda-related interviews or simply wanting to deepen their understanding of serverless computing. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to Lambda's features and best practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 AWS Lambda is a serverless computing service that automatically handles scaling and infrastructure management, allowing you to focus on code execution.
• 😀 With AWS Lambda, you only pay for the compute resources you use, including CPU, RAM, and storage, based on the traffic handled by the service.
• 😀 Lambda functions can be triggered in multiple ways, including via other AWS services, HTTP requests, or scheduled through CloudWatch events.
• 😀 The default execution timeout for AWS Lambda functions is 3 seconds, with a maximum limit of 15 minutes, depending on your configuration.
• 😀 Lambda offers a serverless model where you don't need to manage the underlying servers, unlike EC2 instances, where manual provisioning and scaling are required.
• 😀 AWS Lambda supports various programming languages like Node.js, Python, Ruby, Java, Go, .NET, and even custom runtimes can be created.
• 😀 Lambda functions are stateless, meaning they don't retain data between executions. To manage state, external storage services like DynamoDB or RDS must be used.
• 😀 A deployment package in AWS Lambda is a ZIP file containing the code and dependencies necessary for the function to run, automatically generated by AWS during creation or update.
• 😀 AWS Lambda handles concurrency by scaling horizontally to handle multiple incoming requests, with each function execution running independently.
• 😀 Lambda functions can be integrated with VPCs to access resources like databases running in private networks, ensuring secure connectivity.

Q & A

What is AWS Lambda and how does it function?

AWS Lambda is a serverless computing service that automatically manages the infrastructure for running code. You upload your code as a function, and Lambda takes care of the provisioning, scaling, and execution without the need to manage servers. The service only charges for the compute capacity consumed.

What is the maximum execution time for an AWS Lambda function?

The maximum execution time for an AWS Lambda function is 15 minutes. The default timeout is 3 seconds, but it can be adjusted up to 15 minutes depending on the requirement.

How does AWS Lambda differ from EC2 instances?

AWS Lambda is a serverless service, meaning the user does not have to manage servers or scale the infrastructure manually. EC2 instances, on the other hand, require manual provisioning, scaling, and management of servers, giving users more control over the infrastructure.

Which programming languages are supported by AWS Lambda?

AWS Lambda supports multiple programming languages, including Node.js, Python, Ruby, Java, Go, .NET, and allows users to create custom runtimes to run other languages.

How can you manage state in AWS Lambda functions?

AWS Lambda functions are stateless, meaning they do not store any data within the service itself. If state management is required, users can integrate Lambda with other services like DynamoDB or RDS to store and retrieve data.

What is a deployment package in AWS Lambda?

A deployment package in AWS Lambda is a ZIP file containing the code and any dependencies required for the function. This package is uploaded to Lambda when creating or updating the function, and it is automatically handled by the service.

How does AWS Lambda handle concurrency?

AWS Lambda automatically handles concurrency by horizontally scaling the function execution. Each invocation of the function is independent, and multiple instances can be triggered to handle increased load, providing scalability and performance.

Can AWS Lambda functions access resources inside a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)?

Yes, AWS Lambda can access resources inside a VPC. When configuring a Lambda function, users can specify the VPC to integrate with, allowing the function to interact with private resources like databases within the VPC.

What is the cold start issue in AWS Lambda and how can it be mitigated?

The cold start issue refers to the delay or latency that occurs when a Lambda function is invoked for the first time or after being idle for a period. It can be mitigated by using provisioned concurrency, which ensures that a set number of instances are pre-warmed and ready for execution.

What are the different ways to trigger an AWS Lambda function?

AWS Lambda functions can be triggered in various ways, such as by other AWS services, HTTP requests (via API Gateway), or scheduled events through CloudWatch. These triggers initiate the Lambda function based on specific events or time intervals.