Lambda execution model in AWS - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the AWS Lambda execution model?

AWS Lambda runs your code in response to events. It automatically manages the compute resources, running your code only when needed and scaling automatically.

beginner

How does AWS Lambda handle scaling when multiple events occur?

Lambda creates multiple instances of your function to handle each event concurrently, scaling automatically without manual intervention.

intermediate

What is a Lambda execution environment?

It is a temporary container where your Lambda function code runs. It includes the runtime, memory, and temporary storage, and it can be reused for multiple invocations.

intermediate

Explain the cold start in Lambda execution.

A cold start happens when Lambda creates a new execution environment to run your function for the first time or after a period of inactivity, causing a slight delay.

intermediate

What happens to the execution environment after a Lambda function finishes running?

The environment may be frozen and kept alive for some time to serve future requests quickly, or it may be discarded if not needed.

What triggers AWS Lambda to run your code?

A An event occurs

B You manually start it

C It runs continuously

D It runs on a schedule only

AWS Lambda runs your code in response to events such as file uploads, HTTP requests, or database changes.

What is a cold start in AWS Lambda?

A Lambda function timing out

B Lambda function running slowly due to code errors

C Delay when creating a new execution environment

D Lambda function running out of memory

A cold start is the delay caused by Lambda creating a new execution environment before running your function.

How does Lambda handle multiple simultaneous events?

A Runs only the first event

B Queues events and runs one at a time

C Ignores extra events

D Creates multiple execution environments to run functions concurrently

Lambda automatically scales by creating multiple environments to handle concurrent events.

What happens to the Lambda execution environment after your function finishes?

A It is always deleted immediately

B It may be frozen and reused for future calls

C It runs your code again automatically

D It sends logs to the user

Lambda may keep the environment frozen to speed up future invocations.

Which of these is NOT part of the Lambda execution environment?

A Permanent database

B Memory

C Temporary storage

D Runtime

Lambda execution environment includes runtime, memory, and temporary storage, but not a permanent database.

Describe how AWS Lambda executes your code from event to completion.

Think about what happens when an event occurs and how Lambda manages resources.

Explain what a cold start is and why it matters in Lambda execution.

Consider the impact on user experience when Lambda starts fresh.