A Guide to Set Up a CI/CD Pipeline for AWS Lambda Function

Overview

In the world of modern software development, the ability to quickly and reliably deploy code changes is crucial.

This blog will delve deeper into each step to set up a comprehensive CI/CD pipeline using AWS services like AWS CodeCommit, AWS CodeBuild, and AWS CodePipeline to update an AWS Lambda function.

Introduction

In the dynamic realm of modern software development, two key components have revolutionized the way applications are built and deployed: AWS Lambda and CI/CD pipelines. 

AWS Lambda is a serverless compute service provided by Amazon Web Services. It enables developers to run code responding to events without managing servers or infrastructure. This approach simplifies development and ensures automatic scaling and cost efficiency. 

A CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipeline is an automated workflow that streamlines software development processes. It encompasses tasks like code integration, testing, and deployment, ensuring consistency, speed, and reliability in delivering software changes. 

Pre-requisites

Before we dive into the setup process, ensure you have the following prerequisites in place:

1. AWS Account: You need an AWS account to access and utilize the necessary services.
2. AWS Lambda Function: Create an AWS Lambda function you want to update using the CI/CD pipeline.
3. AWS Command Line Interface (CLI): Install and configure the AWS CLI to interact with AWS services from the command line. (Install or update the latest version of the AWS CLI – AWS Command Line Interface (amazon.com) )

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Set Up the AWS CodeCommit Repository

1. Launch the AWS Management Console, navigate to the AWS CodeCommit service, and create a new repository. Choose a name that effectively represents your project.
2. Clone the repository to your local machine using the following command:

3. Navigate to the repository directory:

4. Add your code files to the repository, including the AWS Lambda function code.

5. Commit and push your changes to the AWS CodeCommit repository:

Step 2: Set Up the AWS CodeBuild Project

1. Go to the AWS Management Console, navigate to the AWS CodeBuild service, and create a new build project.
2. Configure the build project by specifying the source as the AWS CodeCommit repository you created earlier.
3. Select the runtime environment suitable for your build, such as Python, Node.js, etc.
4. In the build specification section, you can use a buildspec file from your repository or provide build commands directly in the console.
5. Configure environment variables and other settings as required for your build.

Step 3: Set Up AWS CodePipeline

1. Navigate to the AWS CodePipeline console and create a new pipeline.
2. Assign a meaningful name to your pipeline and choose the source provider as AWS CodeCommit.
3. Connect the pipeline to the specific repository and branch that will trigger the pipeline.
4. In the build stage, add a build action and select the AWS CodeBuild project you created earlier.
5. Incorporate a deployment stage and opt for the AWS Lambda function as the deployment action.
6. Configure the AWS Lambda deployment action to utilize the AWS Lambda function you intend to update. Specify the function name and additional settings based on your requirements.

Step 4: Configure Permissions

1. AWS CodeCommit: Ensure that the AWS IAM users or roles you use possess the necessary permissions to access the AWS CodeCommit repository. You can formulate a policy that grants codecommit:GitPull and codecommit:GitPush permissions to the repository.
2. AWS CodeBuild: Set up the AWS IAM role associated with the CodeBuild project to possess permissions to read from the CodeCommit repository and execute Lambda updates. The role should have policies like AWSCodeCommitReadOnly, AWSLambda_FullAccess, and others as needed.
3. AWS CodePipeline: The AWS IAM role linked with the AWS CodePipeline necessitates permissions to access AWS CodeCommit, AWS CodeBuild, and update AWS Lambda functions. You can fashion a custom policy or employ managed policies like AWSCodePipeline_FullAccess, AWSLambda_FullAccess, etc.

Step 5: Testing the Pipeline

1. Introduce a code change in your local repository.
2. Commit and push the change to the AWS CodeCommit repository.
3. Access the AWS CodePipeline console and monitor the automated pipeline trigger.
4. Witness the pipeline executing the build within AWS CodeBuild and deploying the updated code to the AWS Lambda function.
5. Vigilantly oversee the pipeline stages for any errors or failures.

Conclusion

Setting up a comprehensive CI/CD pipeline utilizing AWS services such as AWS CodeCommit, AWS CodeBuild, and AWS CodePipeline can significantly streamline updating Lambda functions or any other code artifacts. This automation elevates development velocity, diminishes human errors, and guarantees a dependable and uniform deployment procedure. By following the meticulously detailed steps in this blog, you empower your development team to iteratively forge ahead, confident in their ability to develop and deploy code changes seamlessly. The synergy of these AWS tools not only fosters efficiency but also propels the excellence of your software delivery lifecycle.

Drop a query if you have any questions regarding CI/CD Pipeline and we will get back to you quickly.

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