Template structure (JSON/YAML) in AWS - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the main purpose of a CloudFormation template?

A CloudFormation template defines the resources and their configurations needed to build and manage AWS infrastructure automatically.

beginner

Name the two formats supported for AWS CloudFormation templates.

AWS CloudFormation templates can be written in JSON or YAML format.

intermediate

What are the main sections of a CloudFormation template?

The main sections are: Parameters, Resources, Outputs, Mappings, Conditions, and Metadata.

beginner

In a CloudFormation template, what is the purpose of the 'Resources' section?

The 'Resources' section declares all AWS resources (like EC2 instances, S3 buckets) that the template will create.

intermediate

Why might you choose YAML over JSON for a CloudFormation template?

YAML is easier to read and write due to its concise syntax and supports comments, making templates clearer and more maintainable.

Which section in a CloudFormation template defines the AWS resources to create?

A Mappings

B Parameters

C Outputs

D Resources

The 'Resources' section lists all AWS resources that the template will create.

What formats can AWS CloudFormation templates be written in?

A XML and JSON

B JSON and YAML

C YAML and TOML

D INI and JSON

CloudFormation supports JSON and YAML formats for templates.

Which section allows you to pass values into a CloudFormation template at deployment time?

A Parameters

B Mappings

C Conditions

D Outputs

The 'Parameters' section lets you input values when launching the stack.

What is the purpose of the 'Outputs' section in a CloudFormation template?

A To define resource properties

B To specify input parameters

C To declare values to return after stack creation

D To map region-specific values

The 'Outputs' section declares values that are returned after the stack is created, like resource IDs.

Which section would you use to create conditional resources in a CloudFormation template?

A Conditions

B Mappings

C Resources

D Metadata

The 'Conditions' section defines conditions to control resource creation.

Describe the main sections of a CloudFormation template and their roles.

Think about what you input, what you create, and what you get back.

Explain why YAML might be preferred over JSON for writing CloudFormation templates.

Consider how easy it is to read and edit the template.