AWS Bites

Latest Episodes:

94. Get the Most out of CloudTrail with Athena Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

Ever wondered how to gain deep insights into the myriad of activities within your AWS organization accounts? In this episode of AWS Bites, we dive into the world of AWS CloudTrail and Athena, showing you how to seamlessly query and analyze CloudTrail logs for valuable information, troubleshooting, security, and compliance. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

A gist with the code for a working example of a Glue Catalog Data Table for CloudTrail logs that can be used with Athena: https://gist.github.com/eoinsha/6cf5ce478d36d797d314f161275c5aa6
Our previous episode on CloudWatch Logs Insights: https://awsbites.com/35-how-can-you-become-a-logs-ninja-with-cloudwatch/

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93. CDK Patterns - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of CDK Patterns - those ingenious building blocks that can transform your cloud journey. We uncover what CDK Patterns are, where to find them, and why you'll want to use them! With CDK's object-oriented abstraction, L2 and L3 Constructs bring a whole new level of convenience. We'll explore where to find these powerful patterns, from the ones baked right into CDK to the inspiring examples showcased by community websites such as cdkpatterns.com. Why bother with CDK Patterns and L3 Constructs? Well, imagine encapsulating best practices, avoiding tedious configuration repetition, and ensuring a consistent approach across your services. That's just the tip of the iceberg! Of course, we'll be candid about the challenges you might encounter, like versioning and resource oversight. Fear not! We'll share practical tips to address these hurdles, including automated testing and vigilant monitoring using CDK diff functionality. And wait, there's more! We'll reveal some exciting alternatives to CDK Patterns, giving you a broader perspective on reusable modules for your cloud adventures. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

AWS Solution Constructs: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/solutions/latest/constructs/welcome.html
CDK Patterns: https://cdkpatterns.com/
AWS Cloudformation Templates: https://github.com/widdix/aws-cf-templates
Terraform AWS Modules: https://github.com/terraform-aws-modules

You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

92. Decomposing the Monolith Lambda Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of AWS Bites, we take you on a captivating migration journey. Together, we'll explore how we transformed fullstackbulletin.com's automation process, leaving behind the complexities of a monolithic AWS Lambda and embracing the efficiency of Step Functions.

Join us as we dive into the challenges of automating a weekly newsletter, trying to strike the perfect balance between automation and manual curation. We'll discover the risks of relying on external services and how we navigated these obstacles during our migration.

Together, we'll uncover the step-by-step process of breaking down the monolithic Lambda architecture and orchestrating a more manageable approach with Step Functions. We will also briefly touch on alternative social platforms like Mastodon and other Twitter alternatives during our migration adventure.

Learn with us about different migration strategies and the crucial role of observability for smooth operations.

Finally, we will share some valuable lessons that you can apply to your production workloads. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

Fullstack Bulletin: https://fullstackbulletin.com/
Fullstack Bulletin on GitHub: https://github.com/FullStackBulletin/
Fullstack Bulletin remake recordings (YouTube playlist): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNOKnE-Oyr1tsUft4j0QZDyk5iFcVVy_
SLIC Watch for automated observability: https://github.com/fourTheorem/slic-watch
Eoin on Mastodon: https://mastodon.ie/@eoins
Luciano on Mastodon: https://mastodon.ie/@loige

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91. Our Journeys into Software and AWS Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we take a journey through time and technology and learn the origin stories of Eoin and Luciano. In this captivating discussion, they share their paths into the world of software development and their eventual immersion into the realm of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Eoin's story begins in the early days of home computing, where he tinkered with a Spectrum ZX, coding programs and saving them on audio cassettes. He walks us through his computer science studies, securing his first jobs, and his initial encounters with AWS, where skepticism eventually turned into fascination. Meanwhile, Luciano shares his first magical encounter with a computer, igniting his passion for programming, and his subsequent journey into computer science and early work experiences. Moving to Ireland opened doors to work on pioneering cloud projects, leading him to develop tools like Middy and eventually join fourTheorem. The episode delves into their experiences with serverless architecture, solo startups, and how they would approach learning differently if given the chance to do it all again. Join us for a nostalgic, inspiring, and educational episode as we explore the captivating stories that shaped our expertise in the world of AWS. 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠⁠fourtheorem.com⁠⁠!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

Gorillas videogame (GORILLAS.BAS): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorillas_(video_game)
Middy Lambda framework for Node.js: https://middy.js.org/

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90. 9 Ideas that would Skyrocket AWS to New Heights Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

AWS is great, but it can surely be better, much better! Today we want to mention 9 things that could help AWS to reach new heights: hard billing limits, better UX and documentation, and much more! We also have a special message to AWS and all the AWS professionals who have helped throughout the years. Join us in this intergalactic journey to improve the leading cloud provider! 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at ⁠fourtheorem.com⁠!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

Our previous episode on how to simulate AWS Locally: https://awsbites.com/89-should-you-simulate-aws-locally/
Our previous episode on bastion hosts: https://awsbites.com/78-when-do-you-need-a-bastion-host/

You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

89. Should you simulate AWS locally? Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the epic tale of AWS Bites! In this chapter, we embark on a perilous journey through the challenges of developing distributed applications on AWS. We encounter fierce foes in the form of deployment times and limited access to real AWS services during local development. But fear not, for we have powerful tools at our disposal, including the legendary LocalStack and Serverless offline. And if that's not enough, we have tips and tricks for optimizing our development flow without local simulations, using well-structured code and unit tests. We even share CloudFormation tricks to speed up deployment times and reveal the secret of speeding up the development of IAM policies with Session Policies. So grab your swords and join us on this epic adventure to overcome the challenges of local development on AWS! 💰 SPONSORS 💰 fourTheorem is the company that makes AWS Bites possible. If you are looking for a partner to accompany you on your cloud journey, check them out at fourtheorem.com!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

Localstack coverage: https://docs.localstack.cloud/user-guide/aws/feature-coverage/
Localstack v2.0: https://www.infoq.com/news/2023/04/localstack-aws-version-two-ga/
Cargo-Lambda: https://www.cargo-lambda.info/
AWS .NET Mock Lambda Test Tool - https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/developer/debugging-net-core-aws-lambda-functions-using-the-aws-net-mock-lambda-test-tool/
Step Functions Local - local Step Function simulation: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/step-functions/latest/dg/sfn-local.html
Article by Yan Cui on the topic of testing serverless applications: https://theburningmonk.com/2022/05/my-testing-strategy-for-serverless-applications/

You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

88. What is VPC Lattice? Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of AWS Bites, we discuss VPC Lattice, a new service in the Salad Bowl of AWS Networking. We cover all the concepts, applications, and exciting possibilities for VPC Lattice and share tips on how to use it effectively. We talk about reducing friction between network admin and dev teams and how VPC Lattice can be a game changer for traditional and serverless workloads. Get ready for some greens and don't miss this informative episode of AWS Bites!

💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

Our demo repository of VPC Lattice: https://github.com/fourTheorem/vpc-lattice-demo
Some useful slides to recap the main concepts about VPC Lattice: https://fourtheorem.github.io/vpc-lattice-demo/
Serverless Networking with VPC Lattice (Serverless Office Hours): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4dw8tz_dgc
Amazon VPC Lattice workshop: https://catalog.us-east-1.prod.workshops.aws/workshops/9e543f60-e409-43d4-b37f-78ff3e1a07f5/en-US

You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

87. Interviewing for AWS Roles Jun 29, 2023

Show notes

Are you interested in landing an AWS role? Or maybe are you looking to hire some cloud talent?! In this episode of the AWS Bites podcast, we share our insights on the interview process we have adopted at fourTheorem. This process is not just about testing AWS knowledge, but it's also about evaluating cultural fit, way of working skills and knowledge, and future plans. From the “Fiona chat” to the technical interview, we provide valuable tips for candidates, such as being honest about your knowledge and asking questions during the interview.

💰 SPONSORS 💰

You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

86. How do you integrate AWS with other clouds? Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

Are you struggling with securely integrating workloads running on-premises, in Azure, or in any other cloud with a workload running in AWS? In this exciting episode of the AWS Bites podcast, we dive into 6 different options for securely and efficiently integrating workloads between clouds. From providing a public API in AWS with an authorization method to using IAM roles anywhere to using OIDC federated identities, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option. We even cover the use of SSM hybrid activations and creating the interface on the Azure/Data Centre side and polling from AWS. Don't miss out on this informative discussion about the best practices for integrating workloads between clouds. Tune in now and let’s have some cloud fun together!

💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

Our repository with an example on how to use IAM Roles Anywhere: https://github.com/fourTheorem/iam-roles-anywhere-demo/
aws_signing_helper CLI: https://github.com/aws/rolesanywhere-credential-helper
Detailed article on how to set up OIDC Federated Identities: https://blog.identitydigest.com/azuread-access-aws/
Our previous episode on OIDC providers: https://awsbites.com/45-what-s-the-magic-of-oidc-identity-providers/

You can listen to AWS Bites wherever you get your podcasts:

85. Tip for Attending AWS Events Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

In the latest episode of AWS Bites Podcast, Luciano and Eoin share their insider tips on how to get the most out of in-person AWS events like summits, re:Inforce, or re:Invent.

From networking to swag hoarding, they cover everything you need to know to make the most of these conferences. Learn how to convince your employer to let you attend and how to plan ahead to get the most out of the event. Plus, hear about the fun activities and after-parties you won't want to miss.

Don't miss out on this must-listen episode if you're attending an AWS event soon!

💰 SPONSORS 💰

AWS Bites is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fourTheorem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, an AWS Consulting Partner offering training, cloud migration, and modern application architecture.

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

AWS Events app for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiquityinc.awsevents&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1
AWS Events app for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aws-events/id1457242918

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