Voiced by Amazon Polly |
In the fast-paced realm of cloud computing, Infrastructure as Code (IaC) stands as a cornerstone for efficient, scalable, and repeatable infrastructure management. AWS CloudFormation has been a trailblazer in this space, allowing users to declare, model, and provision infrastructure using YAML or JSON templates. However, managing non-IaC resources has been a challenge, requiring manual template creation and resource identification. In response to this, AWS has introduced the IaC generator, offering a comprehensive solution to integrate existing resources seamlessly into AWS CloudFormation.
This blog provides an in-depth guide on leveraging the AWS CloudFormation IaC Generator for seamless integration of existing resources into the Infrastructure as Code (IaC) framework. In this blog, we walk you through the steps to streamline your AWS infrastructure management, making it more efficient, scalable, and consistent.
AWS CloudFormation IaC Generator
The AWS CloudFormation IaC Generator stands out as a distinctive feature within the AWS CloudFormation suite, a powerful service dedicated to enabling users to articulate and deploy AWS infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles. This innovative generator streamlines the integration of existing AWS resources into the AWS CloudFormation framework, even when these resources were first established without Infrastructure as Code.
Pioneers in Cloud Consulting & Migration Services
- Reduced infrastructural costs
- Accelerated application deployment
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Scanning the resources
The generator scans your AWS account, making a list of all your resources. AWS CloudFormation then cleverly figures out how these resources are connected, like recognizing that a subnet is linked to a VPC. Once these connections are identified, you get to choose the main actors – the top-level resources for your template. It’s like crafting your mini-show with the perfect cast!
Navigate to the AWS CloudFormation console and, on the left menu, locate and click on “AWS CloudFormation IaC Generator.”
On the right side of the AWS CloudFormation IaC Generator page, click on “Start Scan.” Keep in mind that each scan persists for 30 days, and you have the flexibility to run up to three scans per day within your account.
Step 2: Creating a Template
After the scan finishes, initiate the template creation process by clicking the “Create Template” button. Choose “Start from a new template” and provide the necessary information about the stack, such as the template name and any applicable stack policies. In this instance, keep it as “Retain.”
Step 3: Selecting a resource
Proceeding to the next page, you will encounter a list of all scanned resources. To streamline your view, you have the option to apply filters, such as tags, to focus on specific subsets of scanned resources. In this case, we will only utilize a Resource type prefix filter. Once you locate the VPC in the list, select it.
Moving to the subsequent page, you will find a compilation of resources that AWS CloudFormation has identified as having a connection to this VPC. This encompasses a variety of networking-related resources. Maintain the selection of all these resources to generate a template inclusive of them.
Now, click on “Create template,” and AWS CloudFormation will create a template for you using the resources you’ve chosen.
Step 4: Creating a Stack
As there isn’t an existing stack to import these resources into, you need to create a new stack. Choose the template you’ve just created and then click on the “Import to stack” button.
Once you’ve input the stack name, proceed to enter any parameters required by your template.
AWS CloudFormation will generate a change set for your new stack. Change sets provide a preview of the modifications AWS CloudFormation intends to make to a stack. In this scenario, all resources will be in the Import status. Once you’ve reviewed and are content with the identified resources, proceed to create the stack.
At this stage, the create stack operation will progress as usual, systematically going through each resource and importing it into the stack.
Conclusion
As AWS continues to innovate, the IaC generator stands as a testament to the commitment to providing customers with powerful tools for modern infrastructure management.
Drop a query if you have any questions regarding AWS CloudFormation and we will get back to you quickly.
Making IT Networks Enterprise-ready – Cloud Management Services
- Accelerated cloud migration
- End-to-end view of the cloud environment
About CloudThat
CloudThat is a leading provider of Cloud Training and Consulting services with a global presence in India, the USA, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Specializing in AWS, Microsoft Azure, GCP, VMware, Databricks, and more, the company serves mid-market and enterprise clients, offering comprehensive expertise in Cloud Migration, Data Platforms, DevOps, IoT, AI/ML, and more.
CloudThat is recognized as a top-tier partner with AWS and Microsoft, including the prestigious ‘Think Big’ partner award from AWS and the Microsoft Superstars FY 2023 award in Asia & India. Having trained 650k+ professionals in 500+ cloud certifications and completed 300+ consulting projects globally, CloudThat is an official AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, AWS Training Partner, AWS Migration Partner, AWS Data and Analytics Partner, AWS DevOps Competency Partner, Amazon QuickSight Service Delivery Partner, Amazon EKS Service Delivery Partner, Microsoft Gold Partner, AWS Microsoft Workload Partners, Amazon EC2 Service Delivery Partner, and many more.
To get started, go through our Consultancy page and Managed Services Package, CloudThat’s offerings.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the AWS CloudFormation IaC Generator?
ANS: – The AWS CloudFormation IaC Generator simplifies the process of integrating existing AWS resources into the AWS CloudFormation framework. It allows users to bring non-IaC resources under the umbrella of Infrastructure as Code, promoting consistency, repeatability, and enhanced management of their AWS infrastructure.
2. How does the IaC Generator determine relationships between resources during a scan?
ANS: – The IaC Generator conducts a thorough scan of your AWS account and utilizes the resource type schema. Intelligently interpreting this schema identifies relationships between different resources. For example, it can recognize that a subnet is connected to a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) through specific properties like vpc-id. These relationships serve as the foundation for creating meaningful templates.
3. Can I run multiple scans using the AWS CloudFormation IaC Generator?
ANS: – Yes, you can. Scans initiated by the IaC Generator persist for a duration of 30 days, providing a window of time for comprehensive resource discovery. Users have the flexibility to run up to three scans per day within their AWS account, allowing for periodic updates and adjustments to accommodate changes in the infrastructure.
WRITTEN BY Mohammad Zubair Saifi
Mohammad Zubair Saifi works as a Research Associate at CloudThat. He has knowledge of AWS Cloud Services and resources and DevOps tools like Jenkins, Docker, K8s, Ansible, and Terraform. He is passionate about improving his skills and learning new tools and technologies.
Click to Comment