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AWScloud~5 mins

Installing AWS CLI - Step-by-Step CLI Walkthrough

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Introduction
Installing the AWS CLI lets you control AWS services from your computer using simple commands. This helps you manage cloud resources without using the web browser.
When you want to create or manage AWS resources quickly from your computer.
When you need to automate AWS tasks using scripts.
When you want to check the status of your AWS services without logging into the AWS website.
When you want to upload or download files to AWS storage from the command line.
When you want to configure AWS settings for your projects on your local machine.
Commands
Download the AWS CLI version 2 installer zip file for Linux 64-bit systems.
Terminal
curl "https://awscli.amazonaws.com/awscli-exe-linux-x86_64.zip" -o "awscliv2.zip"
Expected OutputExpected
No output (command runs silently)
Extract the downloaded AWS CLI installer files from the zip archive.
Terminal
unzip awscliv2.zip
Expected OutputExpected
Archive: awscliv2.zip inflating: aws/install inflating: aws/dist/awscli-exe-linux-x86_64.zip inflating: aws/dist/awscli-exe-linux-x86_64.zip.sig inflating: aws/dist/awscli-exe-linux-x86_64.zip.sha256
Run the AWS CLI installer script with administrator rights to install the AWS CLI on your system.
Terminal
sudo ./aws/install
Expected OutputExpected
Installing AWS CLI version 2... AWS CLI version 2 installed successfully.
Check the installed AWS CLI version to confirm the installation was successful.
Terminal
aws --version
Expected OutputExpected
aws-cli/2.13.10 Python/3.11.4 Linux/5.15.0-1051-azure exe/x86_64.ubuntu.22 prompt/off
Key Concept

If you remember nothing else, remember: downloading, extracting, installing, and verifying are the four key steps to install AWS CLI.

Common Mistakes
Skipping the unzip step and trying to run the installer directly from the zip file.
The installer script is inside the zip file and cannot run without extracting first.
Always unzip the downloaded file before running the installer.
Running the install command without sudo or administrator rights.
Installation requires permission to write files to system directories, which fails without admin rights.
Use sudo or run as administrator to install AWS CLI.
Not verifying the installation with 'aws --version' after installing.
You might think installation succeeded but the CLI may not be properly installed or in your PATH.
Always run 'aws --version' to confirm the CLI is installed and accessible.
Summary
Download the AWS CLI installer zip file using curl.
Extract the installer files using unzip.
Run the installer script with sudo to install AWS CLI.
Verify the installation by checking the AWS CLI version.

Practice

(1/5)
1. What is the primary purpose of installing the AWS CLI on your computer?
easy
A. To control AWS services using command-line commands
B. To create graphical dashboards for AWS
C. To run AWS services locally without internet
D. To automatically update AWS services

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand AWS CLI functionality

    AWS CLI allows users to interact with AWS services using commands typed in a terminal or command prompt.

  2. Step 2: Identify the main use case

    The main use is to control and manage AWS resources from your computer without using the web console.

  3. Final Answer:

    To control AWS services using command-line commands -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    AWS CLI = command-line control [OK]
Hint: AWS CLI means command-line tool for AWS control [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Thinking AWS CLI creates graphical interfaces
  • Believing AWS CLI runs AWS services offline
  • Assuming AWS CLI updates AWS automatically
2. Which command correctly checks if AWS CLI is installed and shows its version?
easy
A. aws version check
B. aws --version
C. check aws version
D. aws -v check

Solution

  1. Step 1: Recall the AWS CLI version command

    The official command to check AWS CLI version is aws --version.

  2. Step 2: Compare options

    Only aws --version matches the correct syntax; others are invalid commands.

  3. Final Answer:

    aws --version -> Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    Check version = aws --version [OK]
Hint: Use double dash before version to check AWS CLI [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Using single dash instead of double dash
  • Reversing command order
  • Adding extra words like 'check'
3. After installing AWS CLI, you run aws configure. What information does this command ask you to enter?
medium
A. AWS username and password
B. AWS service names to enable
C. AWS billing details
D. AWS Access Key ID, Secret Access Key, region, and output format

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand purpose of aws configure

    This command sets up credentials and default settings for AWS CLI to work.

  2. Step 2: Identify required inputs

    It asks for Access Key ID, Secret Access Key, default region, and output format (like json).

  3. Final Answer:

    AWS Access Key ID, Secret Access Key, region, and output format -> Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    Configure = keys + region + output [OK]
Hint: Configure sets keys, region, and output format [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Entering username/password instead of keys
  • Confusing billing info with credentials
  • Trying to enable services here
4. You installed AWS CLI but running aws --version gives an error 'command not found'. What is the likely cause?
medium
A. AWS CLI is not added to your system PATH environment variable
B. You typed the command incorrectly
C. Your internet connection is down
D. AWS CLI requires a password to run

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand 'command not found' error

    This error means the system cannot find the program to run it.

  2. Step 2: Identify common cause

    Usually, the AWS CLI executable is not in the system PATH, so the terminal can't locate it.

  3. Final Answer:

    AWS CLI is not added to your system PATH environment variable -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Command not found = PATH missing [OK]
Hint: Add AWS CLI to PATH to fix 'command not found' error [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Assuming internet is needed to run version command
  • Thinking password is required to run CLI
  • Ignoring PATH environment variable
5. You want to install AWS CLI on a Windows computer. Which of the following steps correctly describes the process?
hard
A. Download the Linux package and run it using Windows Subsystem for Linux
B. Open PowerShell and type install aws-cli to install automatically
C. Download the Windows MSI installer from AWS website, run it, then open Command Prompt and run aws --version
D. Use the AWS web console to install AWS CLI remotely

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify correct installation method for Windows

    For Windows, AWS provides an MSI installer downloadable from their website.

  2. Step 2: Verify installation

    After running the installer, open Command Prompt and run aws --version to confirm installation.

  3. Final Answer:

    Download the Windows MSI installer from AWS website, run it, then open Command Prompt and run aws --version -> Option C

  4. Quick Check:

    Windows install = MSI + verify version [OK]
Hint: Use MSI installer on Windows, then check version [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Trying Linux package directly on Windows
  • Assuming PowerShell has install command
  • Thinking AWS web console installs CLI