AWS CloudShell

Benefits

• No additional credentials to manage

AWS CloudShell simplifies the authentication process for users by receiving their credentials from the AWS Management Console. This eliminates the need for users to enter their credentials again, saving them valuable time. By default, CloudShell can access the AWS Management Console using the user’s credentials.One benefit of this streamlined authentication process is that it simplifies operational tasks. With CloudShell, there is no need to configure and manage user credentials on local workstations individually. This frees up resources and reduces the administrative burden of managing user access.

In addition to the simplified authentication process, AWS CloudShell allows administrators to control permissions using IAM policies. IAM policies are a powerful tool within AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) that enables administrators to grant and deny permissions to CloudShell users. To further enhance security, AWS CloudShell includes a feature called Safe Paste. Safe Paste is enabled by default to verify that multiline text doesn’t contain malicious scripts. This added layer of protection ensures that any code or commands being pasted into CloudShell are safe and free from potential security threats.

• Updated regularly

CloudShell provides a fully managed Amazon Linux 2 environment pre-installed with the most recent versions of popular tools and updated to the newest releases. In this instance, patting the environment or updating the pre-installed programs is not essential. The AWS Command Line Interface (AWS CLI), the Amazon Elastic Container Service (Amazon ECS CLI), and the AWS Serverless Application Model (AWS SAM CLI) are some of the command-line interfaces that are included in CloudShell. To run AWS CLI commands in CloudShell, you can use any of the following command-line interpreters: Bash (bash), PowerShell (pwsh), and Z shell (zsh). These interpreters are pre-installed in CloudShell, along with other useful utilities like editors (vi), source control (Git), and package management (npm, pip). CloudShell is based on Amazon Linux 2 and contains common AWS command-line interfaces, making it a versatile and convenient environment for running AWS CLI commands.

• No charge

Using CloudShell, you can run scripts and commands from a browser-based interface. The 1 GB of persistent storage per region included in this subscription service does not require additional fees; CloudShell only charges you for the AWS resources you use while building and deploying your apps.

• Customizable

Your home directory can store scripts, files, setup preferences, and other tools that can be accessed from any location. With 1 GB of persistent storage per region, you don’t have to re-configure your environment every time you open it using the shell.

Features

• A shell that is accessible through a web browser

Thanks to the AWS CLI, you can do all of this without leaving your browser. It lets you run scripts, access common command-line utilities such as PowerShell or Bash, and use other popular AWS CLIs, like the Amazon ECS CLI and SAM Command Line Interface (SAM CLI).

• Well-known tools

The AWS Command Line Interface (AWS CLI), the Amazon Elastic Container Service (Amazon ECS CLI), and the AWS Serverless Application Model (AWS SAM CLI are some of the command-line interfaces that are included in CloudShell. Python and Node.js runtimes and AWS Software Development Kits (AWS SDKs) for those languages are also included. CloudShell is based on Amazon Linux 2 and contains common AWS command-line interfaces. This computer also has several additional command-line utilities pre-installed, including those for shells (Bash, PowerShell, and Zsh), editors (vi), source control (Git), and package management (npm, pip).

• Manages your credentials on an automatic basis

CloudShell can access the AWS Management Console by default using the user’s credentials. This simplifies the authentication process and frees operational resources by eliminating the need to configure and manage user credentials on the local workstation individually.

• Completely managed and kept up to date.

CloudShell’s fully managed service includes all the latest security updates, operating system versions, and utility versions. As a result, you can focus on building and administering your AWS computing services rather than worrying about maintaining your local workstations, software development services, or tooling.

• Persistent storage space of 1 GB

One GB of persistent storage is provided for your home directory, which can be used for other purposes. Thanks to permanent storage, you can still access your frequently used scripts and configuration files even when you’re not using CloudShell.

• Inactivity timeouts and session persistence

In AWS CloudShell, sessions are designed to be user-friendly and efficient. After about 20 minutes of inactivity, a CloudShell session will time out and need to be re-established by refreshing the window. This helps ensure that resources are not unnecessarily consumed when users are not actively using the session. Additionally, inactive and long-running sessions are automatically handled in CloudShell. AWS CloudShell monitors for sessions that remain idle or run for extended periods, and it takes proactive measures to terminate and recycle these sessions. By doing so, AWS CloudShell optimizes resource allocation and ensures that all users have access to the necessary computing resources when needed.

• Regions

CloudShell is now available for those in the United States East (North Virginia), Ohio, Oregon, Europe, and Asia Pacific (Tokyo) regions. The remaining regions are expected to be added soon.

• Consistent Storage

Storage under $HOME is persistent across CloudShell executions, with a 1 GB restriction per region; all other storage is transitory and is not recoverable. Regardless of what happens, you may always start over with a new CloudShell environment if desired.

• Network Access

Connections to the Internet can be established by sessions only from the outside. Currently, sessions cannot access resources in private VPC subnets. However, this plan is to change soon. Additionally, regarding web browser support in AWS CloudShell, it is important to note that the platform specifically supports the following web browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari. This means that users can conveniently utilize any of these browsers to access and interact with AWS CloudShell, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience. By providing this comprehensive list, AWS CloudShell ensures compatibility with the most popular and widely used web browsers, allowing users to choose their preferred browser for accessing the platform’s features and functionalities.

• Runtimes

Bash, PowerShell, jq, git, the ECS CLI, the SAM CLI, npm, and pip have also been installed and are ready for developers to utilize.

• Safe Paste

The Safe Paste feature in AWS CloudShell is a security measure designed to protect users from inadvertently executing harmful code. When you paste multiple lines of text into the CloudShell terminal, this feature automatically scans the content to ensure there are no embedded malicious scripts.

Pricing for AWS CloudShell

Additional fees are not incurred when using AWS Cloudshell. Additionally, all of the other AWS resources you use in the development and execution of your apps are free. With this service, you’re under no obligation to pay anything up front or even a minimal cost. Transfer fees are based on the AWS data transfer rates.

We have customers who use web browsers exclusively and have not yet built or changed their command-line interface to fit their needs. This is a common occurrence (CLI). We’re here to help you avoid any complications that could arise from this procedure, even if it isn’t complicated or time-consuming.

Related Articles