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Instance states (running, stopped, terminated) in AWS - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

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Recall & Review
beginner
What does the running state mean for an AWS EC2 instance?
The instance is powered on and ready to use. It can accept network traffic and run applications.
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beginner
What happens when an EC2 instance is in the stopped state?
The instance is powered off but still exists. You are not charged for instance usage, but storage costs apply. You can start it again later.
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beginner
What does the terminated state mean for an EC2 instance?
The instance is permanently deleted. You cannot start it again. All associated resources like storage may be deleted depending on settings.
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beginner
Can you restart an EC2 instance that is terminated?
No, once an instance is terminated, it is permanently deleted and cannot be restarted.
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beginner
What is the difference between stopping and terminating an EC2 instance?
Stopping powers off the instance but keeps it for later use. Terminating deletes the instance permanently.
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What state is an EC2 instance in when it is powered on and ready to use?
ARunning
BStopped
CTerminated
DPending
Which instance state means the instance is permanently deleted?
AStopped
BRunning
CTerminated
DPending
If you want to pause an instance but keep it for later use, which state should you put it in?
AStopped
BRunning
CTerminated
DShutting-down
Are you charged for instance usage when an EC2 instance is stopped?
AYes, full charges apply
BCharges depend on instance type
CNo charges at all
DNo, you are not charged for instance usage but storage costs apply
Can you restart an EC2 instance after it has been terminated?
AYes, anytime
BNo, terminated instances cannot be restarted
COnly within 24 hours
DOnly if backed up
Explain the differences between the running, stopped, and terminated states of an EC2 instance.
Think about what happens to the instance and your ability to use it in each state.
You got /3 concepts.
    What are the cost implications of stopping versus terminating an EC2 instance?
    Consider what you pay for when the instance is stopped versus terminated.
    You got /2 concepts.

      Practice

      (1/5)
      1. Which AWS EC2 instance state means the instance is currently powered on and ready to use?
      easy
      A. Running
      B. Stopped
      C. Terminated
      D. Pending

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Understand EC2 instance states

        Instances can be in states like running, stopped, or terminated, indicating their power and availability status.

      2. Step 2: Identify the state meaning 'powered on'

        The 'running' state means the instance is powered on and ready to use.

      3. Final Answer:

        Running -> Option A

      4. Quick Check:

        Running = Powered On [OK]
      Hint: Running means instance is on and usable [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Confusing stopped with running
      • Thinking terminated means running
      • Mixing pending with running
      2. Which AWS CLI command correctly stops a running EC2 instance with ID i-1234567890abcdef0?
      easy
      A. aws ec2 terminate-instances --instance-ids i-1234567890abcdef0
      B. aws ec2 reboot-instances --instance-ids i-1234567890abcdef0
      C. aws ec2 start-instances --instance-ids i-1234567890abcdef0
      D. aws ec2 stop-instances --instance-ids i-1234567890abcdef0

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Identify command to stop instance

        The command to stop an instance is stop-instances.

      2. Step 2: Match instance ID usage

        The command must include --instance-ids i-1234567890abcdef0 to specify the instance.

      3. Final Answer:

        aws ec2 stop-instances --instance-ids i-1234567890abcdef0 -> Option D

      4. Quick Check:

        Stop instance = stop-instances command [OK]
      Hint: Stop instance uses 'stop-instances' command [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Using terminate instead of stop
      • Using start instead of stop
      • Using reboot instead of stop
      3. What will be the state of an EC2 instance immediately after running this AWS CLI command?
      aws ec2 terminate-instances --instance-ids i-0abcdef1234567890
      medium
      A. Running
      B. Stopped
      C. Terminated
      D. Pending

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Understand the terminate-instances command

        This command deletes the instance permanently, changing its state to terminated.

      2. Step 2: Identify the resulting state

        After termination, the instance cannot be started again and is marked as terminated.

      3. Final Answer:

        Terminated -> Option C

      4. Quick Check:

        Terminate command = Terminated state [OK]
      Hint: Terminate means instance is deleted permanently [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Thinking terminated means stopped
      • Confusing terminate with stop
      • Expecting instance to restart automatically
      4. You tried to start an EC2 instance but got an error saying the instance does not exist. What is the most likely cause?
      medium
      A. The instance is terminated
      B. The instance is in running state
      C. The instance is in stopped state
      D. The instance is pending

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Analyze error meaning

        If AWS says the instance does not exist, it usually means it was deleted or terminated.

      2. Step 2: Match instance state to error

        Terminated instances are removed and cannot be started again, causing this error.

      3. Final Answer:

        The instance is terminated -> Option A

      4. Quick Check:

        Instance not found = Terminated state [OK]
      Hint: Instance not found means terminated, not stopped [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Assuming stopped means instance missing
      • Confusing running with missing
      • Ignoring termination possibility
      5. You want to save costs by stopping an EC2 instance but keep its data intact for later use. Which instance state should you use and why?
      hard
      A. Terminate, because it deletes the instance and saves all costs
      B. Stop, because it powers off the instance but keeps data on the disk
      C. Running, because it keeps the instance active and data safe
      D. Pending, because it prepares the instance for shutdown

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Understand cost and data retention

        Stopping an instance powers it off but keeps the attached storage intact, preserving data.

      2. Step 2: Compare with termination

        Terminating deletes the instance and storage, losing data and cannot be restarted.

      3. Step 3: Choose correct state for saving costs and keeping data

        Stopping is the correct choice to save costs while keeping data safe.

      4. Final Answer:

        Stop, because it powers off the instance but keeps data on the disk -> Option B

      5. Quick Check:

        Stop = Save cost + keep data [OK]
      Hint: Stop to save cost and keep data intact [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Choosing terminate and losing data
      • Thinking running saves cost
      • Confusing pending with stop