CLOUD LABS
Getting Started with AWS Step Functions
In this lab, we'll use Step Functions to create a state machine that waits for a user to respond to an action and completes execution based on the user's response.
beginner
Certificate of Completion
Learning Objectives
AWS Step Functions is a powerful orchestration service that can be integrated with many other Amazon services, such as Lambda. Using Step Functions, we can create workflows—known as state machines—where each state can perform different actions, such as evaluating conditional statements, integrating with a service, or performing different actions in parallel.
In this Cloud Lab, you'll create a state machine that searches for personally identifiable information (PII entities) in the input text and emails a user if it finds any sensitive information. It waits for the user to respond to the email before completing execution. You'll start by creating an SNS topic and subscription, then create a few Lambda functions to send the email and handle the callback. You'll also create a REST API so the user can interact with our infrastructure. Finally, you'll create a state machine that integrates all the resources to create the final workflow.
By the end of this lab, you'll have a strong understanding of the Step Functions service and will be equipped to create your own state machines.
Before you start...
Try these optional labs before starting this lab.
Relevant Courses
Use the following content to review prerequisites or explore specific concepts in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Step Functions in AWS?
AWS Step Functions is a service that allows you to create visual workflows to coordinate various AWS services seamlessly. It streamlines the development and execution of multi-step applications by offering a user-friendly graphical interface for designing and visualizing your application’s components as sequential steps.
What is the difference between AWS Lambda and step functions?
AWS Lambda is a service that enables you to execute code without managing servers, responding to events, or handling the necessary compute resources. In contrast, AWS Step Functions is an orchestration service that coordinates multiple AWS services, including Lambda, into cohesive workflows.
When should we use AWS Step Functions?
AWS Step Functions is particularly useful when coordinating several AWS services within a defined workflow that requires dependable and scalable orchestration of multiple steps. It’s well-suited for automating processes like orchestrating microservices, developing data and machine learning pipelines, and creating long-running automated workflows that may involve human interaction.
What is the difference between AWS Step Functions and Glue?
AWS Step Functions orchestrate workflows by coordinating multiple AWS services. AWS Glue, on the other hand, is a specialized ETL service for transforming and loading data. Step Functions can include Glue as part of a workflow, but Glue focuses solely on data prep and ETL tasks.
What are examples of step functions?
Examples of AWS Step Functions include:
- Automating security and IT functions
- Orchestrating microservices
- Automating ETL processes
- Processing large datasets in parallel
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I prefer Educative courses because they have a nice mix of text & images. I find that with full video courses, it can often be too easy to go into passive learning mode.
Your method is simple, straight to the point and I can practice with it everywhere, even from my phone, that's something I have never had in other learning platforms.
I highly recommend Educative. The courses are well organized and easy to understand.
I prefer Educative courses because they have a nice mix of text & images. I find that with full video courses, it can often be too easy to go into passive learning mode.
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