Create a Server less Function

Note 22

Websites, applications, public cloud platforms, and related account options change often. While the instructions given in these projects were accurate at the time of writing, you might need to adjust the steps or options according to later changes.

Note to Instructors and Students: A rubric is provided for evaluating student performance on these projects. Please see Appendix D.

Estimated time:

1 hour

Objectives:

Objective 3.1: Given a scenario, integrate components into a cloud solution.

Group work:

This project includes enhancements when assigned as a group project.

Resources:

• Internet access
• An account for a public cloud platform, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP

Context:

In the module and Hands-On Projects, you learned how to deploy VM instances in the cloud. You also learned about serverless compute, which is a way to run code directly in the cloud without having to manage underlying server instances. In this Capstone, you will teach yourself to deploy a sample serverless function in your chosen public cloud platform using resources made available by the cloud provider.

Complete the following steps:

1. Choose one of the public cloud platforms where you have an account, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP. Research that platform's serverless services, and choose one of the more popular and mainstream services to practice with in this project. For example, in AWS, you might choose Lambda. Comparable services in other platforms include Azure Functions and Google Cloud Functions. Do some basic research on this service so you understand its purpose and the big picture of how it works. Which service did you choose?
2. Most of the large CSPs provide extensive training and practice activities to help customers learn how to use their cloud services. Some of this material can be found on the CSP's website. Other materials are embedded within the platform itself. For example, to create an AWS Lambda function, you have the option to use a pre-built blueprint that lets you practice with the process before authoring your own function. Find online training materials or embedded practice activities for your selected service. Which resource do you think will be the most helpful as you practice deploying a function in your chosen serverless service?
3. Work through the steps to deploy a resource in this service and troubleshoot any problems or error messages you encounter. For example, if you're working with AWS Lambda, you would create a function using a blueprint, which is allowed with an AWS Academy account if you choose an existing IAM role instead of creating a new role. If you're using AWS Academy or another education-based account, you might encounter permission limitations. If the limitations are too restrictive, consider switching to a different service. Work through the process as far as you can, and document your progress and limitations. When you've created the resource or worked as far as you can before running into insurmountable permissions issues, take a screenshot of your progress; submit this visual with your answers to this project's questions.
4. If you were able to create the resource, test the function. For example, in AWS Lambda, you create a test event, run it, and then view the execution results. What outcome do you observe?
5. For group projects: Each member of the group should choose a different platform or serverless service for this project. Group members should share what they learned about their selected serverless service, including what the service does, common use cases, and the results of their practice using the service.
6. Delete all resources you created—good cloud hygiene will help protect you from unwanted cloud charges.