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Project Overview
In today's digital landscape, scalable web applications are crucial for business success. This project addresses industry challenges by equipping you with the skills to deploy a web application on AWS, utilizing auto-scaling and load balancing while adhering to best practices in security and cost management.
Project Sections
AWS Services Overview
This section introduces key AWS services essential for building scalable applications. You'll explore EC2, S3, RDS, and more, understanding their roles and integration. This knowledge is vital for effective application deployment in real-world scenarios.
Tasks:
- ▸Research and document the primary AWS services relevant to web applications.
- ▸Create a comparison chart of AWS services and their use cases.
- ▸Set up an AWS account and familiarize yourself with the AWS Management Console.
- ▸Explore the AWS free tier offerings to plan your project budget.
- ▸Watch tutorials on AWS services to understand their functionalities.
- ▸Join AWS forums to discuss service capabilities with peers.
Resources:
- 📚AWS Official Documentation
- 📚AWS Free Tier Overview
- 📚AWS YouTube Channel
- 📚AWS Training and Certification
- 📚Cloud Academy AWS Courses
Reflection
Reflect on how understanding AWS services will impact your project design and deployment strategies.
Checkpoint
Submit a service overview document and comparison chart.
Application Design and Planning
In this phase, you will design the architecture of your web application, focusing on scalability and performance. This includes defining the application components and their interactions, ensuring alignment with best practices.
Tasks:
- ▸Draft an architecture diagram for your web application.
- ▸Identify the programming languages and frameworks you'll use.
- ▸Outline the database structure and data flow.
- ▸Plan for scalability: how will your application handle increased traffic?
- ▸Consider security measures for data protection in your design.
- ▸Gather feedback on your design from peers or mentors.
Resources:
- 📚Lucidchart for diagramming
- 📚AWS Architecture Center
- 📚AWS Well-Architected Framework
- 📚GitHub for version control
- 📚Stack Overflow for community advice
Reflection
Consider how your application design aligns with industry standards for scalability and security.
Checkpoint
Present your architecture diagram and design document.
Deployment Setup
This section focuses on setting up your web application environment on AWS. You will configure EC2 instances, set up S3 for storage, and prepare your database on RDS, ensuring a smooth deployment process.
Tasks:
- ▸Launch an EC2 instance and configure it for your application.
- ▸Set up an S3 bucket for static file storage.
- ▸Create an RDS instance and connect it to your application.
- ▸Install necessary software and dependencies on your EC2 instance.
- ▸Document your setup process for future reference.
- ▸Test the connection between your application and database.
Resources:
- 📚AWS EC2 Documentation
- 📚AWS RDS Documentation
- 📚AWS S3 Documentation
- 📚AWS CLI Installation Guide
- 📚DigitalOcean Tutorials on AWS
Reflection
Reflect on the challenges faced during the setup and how they relate to real-world deployment scenarios.
Checkpoint
Demonstrate a working application environment on AWS.
Implementing Load Balancing
You will learn about load balancing techniques and how to implement them using AWS Elastic Load Balancer (ELB). This phase ensures your application can handle varying traffic loads effectively.
Tasks:
- ▸Configure an Elastic Load Balancer for your application.
- ▸Test your application under different traffic loads.
- ▸Monitor performance using AWS CloudWatch.
- ▸Document your load balancing strategy and its benefits.
- ▸Explore alternative load balancing options available in AWS.
- ▸Gather feedback on your load balancing configuration from peers.
Resources:
- 📚AWS Elastic Load Balancing Documentation
- 📚AWS CloudWatch Documentation
- 📚AWS Load Balancing Best Practices
- 📚YouTube Tutorials on Load Balancing
- 📚AWS Blogs on Load Balancing
Reflection
Consider how implementing load balancing enhances your application's reliability and performance.
Checkpoint
Submit a report on your load balancing implementation.
Auto-Scaling Configuration
This section covers the principles of auto-scaling and how to implement it on AWS. You'll set policies that automatically adjust the number of EC2 instances based on demand, ensuring cost-effectiveness and performance.
Tasks:
- ▸Set up auto-scaling groups for your EC2 instances.
- ▸Define scaling policies based on CPU utilization.
- ▸Test your auto-scaling configuration with simulated traffic.
- ▸Document the auto-scaling setup process.
- ▸Analyze the cost implications of your auto-scaling strategy.
- ▸Share your findings on auto-scaling with the class.
Resources:
- 📚AWS Auto Scaling Documentation
- 📚AWS Pricing Calculator
- 📚AWS Auto Scaling Best Practices
- 📚Cloud Academy Auto Scaling Courses
- 📚AWS Forums for community support
Reflection
Reflect on the importance of auto-scaling in maintaining application performance and cost efficiency.
Checkpoint
Demonstrate a functioning auto-scaling group in your application.
Security Best Practices
In this phase, you'll focus on securing your web application. This includes setting up IAM roles, security groups, and ensuring data protection through encryption and other best practices.
Tasks:
- ▸Configure IAM roles and policies for secure access to AWS resources.
- ▸Set up security groups to control traffic to your EC2 instances.
- ▸Implement SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
- ▸Document your security measures and their importance.
- ▸Review security best practices for AWS applications.
- ▸Conduct a security audit of your application setup.
Resources:
- 📚AWS IAM Documentation
- 📚AWS Security Best Practices
- 📚OWASP Top Ten Security Risks
- 📚AWS Blog on Security
- 📚Coursera Courses on Cloud Security
Reflection
Consider how implementing security measures impacts user trust and application integrity.
Checkpoint
Submit a security audit report of your application.
Cost Management Strategies
This section teaches you how to manage and optimize costs associated with your AWS deployment. You'll explore monitoring tools and budgeting techniques to ensure your application remains cost-effective.
Tasks:
- ▸Set up AWS Budgets to monitor your spending.
- ▸Analyze cost reports using AWS Cost Explorer.
- ▸Implement cost optimization strategies for your resources.
- ▸Document your cost management plan and strategies.
- ▸Explore AWS pricing models for different services.
- ▸Share your cost management insights with peers.
Resources:
- 📚AWS Cost Explorer Documentation
- 📚AWS Budgets Documentation
- 📚AWS Pricing Calculator
- 📚AWS Cost Management Best Practices
- 📚AWS Blogs on Cost Management
Reflection
Reflect on how effective cost management can impact the sustainability of your application.
Checkpoint
Present a cost management report with strategies for your application.
Timeline
4-8 weeks, with weekly check-ins and adjustments as needed.
Final Deliverable
A fully functional, scalable web application deployed on AWS, demonstrating auto-scaling, load balancing, and best practices in security and cost management, ready to be showcased in your portfolio.
Evaluation Criteria
- ✓Completeness of project deliverables and documentation.
- ✓Adherence to AWS best practices in deployment and security.
- ✓Effectiveness of scaling and load balancing solutions.
- ✓Innovation and creativity in application design.
- ✓Quality of reflection and self-assessment throughout the project.
Community Engagement
Engage with online forums, attend AWS meetups, or collaborate with peers for feedback and support during the project.