Fargate vs EC2 launch type in AWS - Visual Side-by-Side Comparison

Process Flow - Fargate vs EC2 launch type

Choose Launch Type

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EC2 Launch Type

↓

User Manages EC2 Instances

↓

Deploy Containers on EC2

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Fargate Launch Type

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AWS Manages Infrastructure

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Deploy Containers Serverless

You start by choosing a launch type. EC2 means you manage servers. Fargate means AWS manages servers for you.

Execution Sample

AWS

LaunchType = 'FARGATE'
if LaunchType == 'EC2':
  # Manage EC2 instances
else:
  # AWS manages infrastructure
# Deploy containers

This code chooses between EC2 and Fargate launch types and shows who manages the servers.

Process Table

Step	LaunchType	Condition	Action	Result
1	FARGATE	LaunchType == 'EC2'?	Check condition	False
2	FARGATE	Else branch	AWS manages infrastructure	Serverless deployment
3	FARGATE	Deploy containers	Containers run without managing servers	Containers running on Fargate
4	EC2	LaunchType == 'EC2'?	Check condition	True
5	EC2	If branch	User manages EC2 instances	User responsible for servers
6	EC2	Deploy containers	Containers run on EC2 instances	Containers running on EC2
7	Any	End	No more steps	Process complete

💡 Execution stops after containers are deployed on chosen launch type.

Status Tracker

Variable	Start	After Step 1	After Step 2	After Step 3	Final
LaunchType	FARGATE or EC2	Checked condition	Branch chosen	Containers deployed	Final state

Key Moments - 3 Insights

Why does the code check if LaunchType == 'EC2' first?

Because the code needs to decide who manages the servers. If true, user manages EC2 instances (see step 4 and 5). Otherwise, AWS manages infrastructure (step 1 and 2).

What happens if LaunchType is 'FARGATE'?

The code skips EC2 management and lets AWS handle infrastructure, deploying containers serverless (see steps 1, 2, and 3).

Who is responsible for managing servers in each launch type?

In EC2 launch type, the user manages servers (step 5). In Fargate launch type, AWS manages servers (step 2).

Visual Quiz - 3 Questions

Look at the execution table, what is the action at step 2 when LaunchType is 'FARGATE'?

A AWS manages infrastructure

B User manages EC2 instances

C Containers run on EC2 instances

D Condition is true

💡 Hint

Check the 'Action' column at step 2 for LaunchType 'FARGATE'.

At which step does the code confirm that the user manages EC2 instances?

A Step 2

B Step 3

C Step 5

D Step 1

💡 Hint

Look for the action 'User manages EC2 instances' in the execution table.

If LaunchType changes from 'FARGATE' to 'EC2', how does the deployment action change?

A Containers run serverless

B User manages EC2 instances and deploys containers on EC2

C AWS manages infrastructure

D No change in deployment

💡 Hint

Compare steps 2-3 (FARGATE) with steps 5-6 (EC2) in the execution table.

Concept Snapshot

Fargate vs EC2 Launch Type:
- EC2: You manage servers (EC2 instances).
- Fargate: AWS manages servers (serverless).
- Choose launch type when deploying containers.
- EC2 requires managing capacity and scaling.
- Fargate simplifies deployment with no server management.

Full Transcript

This visual execution compares AWS ECS launch types: Fargate and EC2. The flow starts by choosing the launch type. If EC2 is chosen, the user manages the EC2 instances and deploys containers on them. If Fargate is chosen, AWS manages the infrastructure, and containers run serverless. The execution table shows step-by-step decisions and actions for both launch types. Variables track the launch type and deployment state. Key moments clarify who manages servers and how deployment differs. The quiz tests understanding of steps and outcomes. The snapshot summarizes the main differences and responsibilities for each launch type.