Launch templates in AWS - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is an AWS Launch Template?

An AWS Launch Template is a reusable set of configuration settings for launching EC2 instances. It saves time by storing instance details like AMI ID, instance type, key pairs, and security groups.

intermediate

How do launch templates help with version control?

Launch templates support multiple versions. You can create new versions with updated settings while keeping old ones. This helps track changes and roll back if needed.

beginner

Can you use launch templates with Auto Scaling groups?

Yes, Auto Scaling groups can use launch templates to define the instance configuration. This ensures all instances launched by the group have consistent settings.

intermediate

What is the difference between launch templates and launch configurations?

Launch templates are newer and more flexible than launch configurations. They support versioning, multiple instance types, and more settings, while launch configurations are fixed once created.

beginner

Why is it a best practice to use launch templates for EC2 instances?

Using launch templates ensures consistency, easy updates, and version control for instance settings. It reduces errors and simplifies managing large numbers of instances.

What can you store in an AWS Launch Template?

A Only the AMI ID

B Only the instance type

C Instance type, AMI ID, security groups

D Only the key pair name

Launch templates store multiple settings including instance type, AMI ID, security groups, key pairs, and more.

How does versioning in launch templates help?

A It limits the number of instances you can launch

B It deletes old templates automatically

C It prevents any changes after creation

D It allows you to update settings without losing old configurations

Versioning lets you create new versions with updated settings while keeping previous versions intact.

Which AWS service commonly uses launch templates to launch instances?

A Auto Scaling groups

B S3 buckets

C Lambda functions

D CloudFront distributions

Auto Scaling groups use launch templates to define the configuration of instances they launch.

What is a key advantage of launch templates over launch configurations?

A Support for multiple versions

B They are cheaper

C They launch instances faster

D They only support one instance type

Launch templates support versioning, which launch configurations do not.

Why should you use launch templates for managing EC2 instances?

A To disable version control

B To ensure consistent and easy-to-update instance settings

C To launch instances without an AMI

D To avoid using security groups

Launch templates help maintain consistent settings and simplify updates across instances.

Explain what an AWS Launch Template is and why it is useful.

Think about how you would save a recipe to use again later.

Describe how versioning works in launch templates and its benefits.

Imagine saving different drafts of a document.