Version Control

Guidance for Updating EC2 Instances Using AMIs and Launch Templates

Step 1: Create a Machine from an AMI

1. Login to AWS Console: Access the AWS Management Console using your credentials.

2. Select EC2 Service: Navigate to the EC2 service from the AWS Console dashboard.

3. Launch an Instance:

   • Click on “Instances” in the left-hand navigation pane.

   • Choose “Launch Instances.”

   • Select the appropriate AMI used for your load balancer.

   • Specify the instance type (e.g., t3a.micro) and configure other details accordingly.

   • Configure security groups, storage, and tags based on project requirements.

   • Review settings and launch the instance.

Step 2: Code Checkout and Validation

1. SSH into the New Instance: - Once the instance is running, SSH into it using the associated key pair.

2. Code Checkout:

   • Change to the relevant directory.

   • Use version control commands (e.g., git checkout) to pull the latest code.

   • Compile, build, or set up the application as needed.

3. Validation:

   • Run tests and perform validations to ensure the application functions correctly on the new instance.

Step 3: Create a New AMI

1. In AWS Console:

   • Navigate to the EC2 service.

   • Click on “Instances” in the left-hand navigation pane.

   • Select the instance you created.

   • Choose “Actions” and then “Create Image (AMI).”

   • Provide a descriptive name and description for the new AMI.

   • Click “Create Image.”

Step 4: Update the Launch Template

1. In AWS Console:

   • Go to the EC2 service.

   • Click on “Launch Templates” in the left-hand navigation pane.

   • Select the launch template used for your Auto Scaling Group (ASG).

   • Edit the launch template.

   • Update the AMI ID with the newly created AMI.

   • Save the changes.

Step 5: Use ASG to Refresh Instances

1. In AWS Console:

   • Navigate to the EC2 service.

   • Click on “Auto Scaling Groups” in the left-hand navigation pane.

   • Choose the ASG you want to refresh.

   • Click “Instance Refresh” and then “Start Instance Refresh.”

   • Wait for a few minutes for the new instance to start.

By following these steps, you can efficiently update EC2 instances using AMIs and launch templates, ensuring that your application remains up-to-date with the latest changes.