AWS Lambda deployment packages in ZIP format are a fundamental way to deploy your function code and dependencies to the Lambda service. A ZIP deployment package contains your function code, any libraries, and dependencies required for execution.
There are two primary methods for uploading ZIP pack…AWS Lambda deployment packages in ZIP format are a fundamental way to deploy your function code and dependencies to the Lambda service. A ZIP deployment package contains your function code, any libraries, and dependencies required for execution.
There are two primary methods for uploading ZIP packages:
1. **Console Upload**: For packages under 10 MB, you can upload the ZIP file through the AWS Lambda console. This is suitable for simple functions with minimal dependencies.
2. **S3 Upload**: For packages between 10 MB and 250 MB (unzipped), you must first upload the ZIP to an S3 bucket, then reference that location when creating or updating your Lambda function.
**Package Structure Requirements**:
- Your handler file must be at the root level of the ZIP
- Dependencies should be included in the package
- For Python, libraries go in the root or a designated folder
- For Node.js, the node_modules folder must be included
- Total unzipped size cannot exceed 250 MB
**Creating a ZIP Package**:
You can use command-line tools like `zip` on Linux/Mac or compression utilities on Windows. The AWS CLI and SAM CLI also provide commands to package and deploy functions.
**Best Practices**:
- Keep packages small by including only necessary dependencies
- Use Lambda Layers for shared libraries across multiple functions
- Exclude development dependencies and test files
- Consider using container images for larger applications exceeding size limits
**Deployment Methods**:
- AWS CLI: `aws lambda update-function-code`
- AWS SAM: `sam deploy`
- CloudFormation with S3 references
- CI/CD pipelines using CodePipeline and CodeDeploy
Understanding ZIP deployment packages is essential for the Developer Associate exam, as they represent the traditional and most common deployment method for Lambda functions.
Lambda Deployment Packages (ZIP) - Complete Guide
Why Lambda Deployment Packages (ZIP) Are Important
Lambda deployment packages are fundamental to deploying serverless applications on AWS. Understanding ZIP deployment packages is crucial because they represent the most common and traditional method for packaging Lambda function code. For the AWS Developer Associate exam, this topic frequently appears in questions about deployment strategies, size limits, and best practices for Lambda functions.
What Are Lambda Deployment Packages (ZIP)?
A Lambda deployment package is a ZIP archive that contains your function code and any dependencies required to run your function. This package is uploaded to AWS Lambda either through the console, AWS CLI, or programmatically via SDKs and CloudFormation.
There are two types of deployment packages: • ZIP file archives - Traditional method containing code and dependencies • Container images - Alternative method using Docker containers (up to 10 GB)
Key Size Limits for ZIP Deployment Packages: • 50 MB - Maximum size for direct upload (zipped) • 250 MB - Maximum size when unzipped (including layers) • 3 MB - Maximum size for inline code editing in the console
How ZIP Deployment Packages Work
Step 1: Create Your Package Bundle your function code along with all required dependencies into a ZIP file. The handler file must be at the root level of the archive.
Step 2: Upload Options • Direct Upload: For packages under 50 MB, upload the ZIP file to Lambda • S3 Upload: For packages between 50 MB and 250 MB (unzipped), first upload to S3, then reference the S3 location when creating or updating the function
Step 3: Lambda Extracts and Executes Lambda extracts the deployment package into the execution environment and locates your handler function to process events.
Best Practices for ZIP Deployment Packages
• Keep packages as small as possible to reduce cold start times • Use Lambda Layers to separate dependencies from function code • Exclude unnecessary files like tests, documentation, and development dependencies • Use native binaries compiled for Amazon Linux 2 environment • Consider using container images for packages exceeding 250 MB
Working with Dependencies
For Python: Include dependencies in a package directory or install them alongside your code using pip For Node.js: Include the node_modules folder with your dependencies For Java: Create a fat JAR or use Maven/Gradle to package dependencies
Lambda Layers as an Alternative
Lambda Layers allow you to package libraries, custom runtimes, and other dependencies separately. Each function can use up to 5 layers, and the total unzipped size of the function and all layers cannot exceed 250 MB.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Lambda Deployment Packages (ZIP)
• Remember the size limits: 50 MB zipped for direct upload, 250 MB unzipped total • When a question mentions packages larger than 50 MB, the answer involves uploading to S3 first • If asked about reducing deployment package size, consider Lambda Layers as the solution • Questions about cold start optimization often relate to minimizing package size • For packages exceeding 250 MB, container images are the appropriate solution • The 3 MB limit applies specifically to editing code inline via the AWS Console • When dependencies are shared across multiple functions, Lambda Layers is typically the correct answer • Pay attention to scenarios involving native binaries - they must be compiled for the Lambda execution environment (Amazon Linux 2) • If a question discusses versioning deployment packages, remember that each version has its own deployment package that cannot be modified