Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a plethora of tools to empower developers in building and deploying applications to the cloud. Among these tools, the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) and AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM) CLI are two key players. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these AWS CLI vs. AWS SAM CLI use cases, and help you decide which one is best suited for your development needs.
AWS CLI: The Swiss Army Knife of AWS
The AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) is a versatile and powerful command-line tool that allows developers to interact with AWS services from their local terminal. Here are some key features of the AWS CLI:
- Broad Compatibility: The AWS CLI is compatible with all AWS services, making it a one-stop-shop for managing resources across the AWS ecosystem.
- Scripting and Automation: It excels in scripting and automation, enabling developers to create custom workflows and automate repetitive tasks.
- Ease of Setup: The CLI is easy to install, and setting up AWS credentials is straightforward using the
aws configurecommand. - Interactive Mode: For those who prefer an interactive experience, the AWS CLI provides a user-friendly interface with autocompletion.
https://synapsefabric.com/2023/09/26/aws-cli-vs-boto3-comparing-amazon-web-services-tools/
AWS SAM CLI: Simplifying Serverless Development
The AWS Serverless Application Model (SAM) CLI is designed specifically for serverless application development on AWS. Key features of the AWS SAM CLI include:
- Serverless Application Authoring: SAM CLI simplifies the process of authoring serverless applications by providing a dedicated framework.
- Local Testing and Debugging: Developers can test and debug serverless applications locally before deploying them to AWS, which accelerates the development cycle.
- Built-in Deployment: SAM CLI streamlines the deployment of serverless applications, making it easier to package and deploy them to AWS Lambda and other serverless services.
- Template-Based: SAM CLI uses AWS SAM templates, a simplified way to define serverless applications and their resources.
AWS CLI vs. AWS SAM CLI: A Comparison
| Criteria | AWS CLI | AWS SAM CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Use Case | General AWS resource management | Serverless application development |
| Compatibility | Works with all AWS services | Focuses on AWS serverless services |
| Scripting/Automation | Ideal for scripting and automation | Simplifies serverless application dev |
| Deployment | Not specialized for serverless apps | Specialized for serverless deployments |
| Local Testing | Limited support for local testing | Strong support for local testing |
| Built-in Templates | No built-in templates | Utilizes AWS SAM templates |
When to Use AWS CLI and AWS SAM CLI
- AWS CLI:
- Use the AWS CLI for general AWS resource management, including EC2 instances, S3 buckets, and more.
- Ideal for scripting and automating AWS tasks unrelated to serverless development.
- AWS SAM CLI:
- Choose the AWS SAM CLI for serverless application development.
- Utilize it when developing AWS Lambda functions, API Gateway configurations, and other serverless resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use AWS CLI and AWS SAM CLI together?
Absolutely! You can use both tools in tandem. AWS CLI for general AWS management and AWS SAM CLI for serverless application development.
2. How do I install AWS CLI and AWS SAM CLI?
3. Are there any cost considerations for using these tools?
There is no additional cost associated with using AWS CLI or AWS SAM CLI. You pay only for the AWS resources you use.
4. Where can I find official documentation for AWS CLI and AWS SAM CLI?
In the world of AWS development, both the AWS CLI and AWS SAM CLI are valuable tools, each serving specific purposes. The AWS CLI provides broad AWS resource management and automation capabilities, while the AWS SAM CLI specializes in streamlining serverless application development. Your choice should align with your project’s needs, whether it involves general AWS resource management or serverless development. Combining both tools can enhance your AWS development experience, providing you with a versatile and specialized toolkit.
https://synapsefabric.com/2023/09/25/aws-cli-vs-aws-api-choosing-the-right-tool-for-cloud-resource-management/
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