AWS CloudFormation-Beginner to Advanced (Hands-On with YAML)

Based on the outline you've provided, the course content is structured to cover a wide range of AWS services and concepts, with a focus on implementing serverless architectures using AWS CloudFormation and the AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK) v2. Here's a breakdown of what each section of the course might include:

1. AWS CI-CD Pipeline for CloudFormation Deployment:

   • Introduction to continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD).
   • Setting up AWS CodePipeline or AWS CodeBuild for automating CloudFormation deployments.
   • Understanding how to parameterize CloudFormation templates for dynamic deployments.
   • Demonstrating a deployment process with and without parameters or configuration files.

2. Serverless Banking Use Case:

   • Architecture overview of the banking use case leveraging AWS Lambda, API Gateway, and S3.
   • Step-by-step setup of the required services in AWS, including the creation of an S3 bucket, Lambda functions, and an API Gateway REST API.
   • Implementing the necessary permissions and integrations for a fully functional banking application.

3. AWS Account Baseline VPC Setup:

   • Setting up a VPC with public and private subnets.
   • Configuring an Internet Gateway, Route Table, Routes, Security Group, and Network Access Control List (NACL).
   • Understanding the importance of this baseline setup for securing AWS resources.

4. AWS CloudFormation – Mappings, Output, Conditions, Rules, and Transform:

   • Learning how to use mappings within CloudFormation templates for mapping values.
   • Defining outputs in CloudFormation to retrieve resource information post-deployment.
   • Implementing conditions to control the creation of resources based on certain logic or criteria.
   • Understanding transforms and their use cases (e.g., AWS::Serverless-2016-10-31 for serverless resources).

5. AWS CloudFormation General Concepts:

   • Explanation of ChangeSets, which provide a preview of changes before they are applied.
   • Discussion on the resource deletion policies (Delete, Snapshot, Retain) in CloudFormation.
   • Understanding the role of IAM roles within CloudFormation for granting necessary permissions.

6. AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK v2):

   • Introduction to AWS CDK and its benefits over traditional CloudFormation templates.
   • Pre-requisites for setting up the development environment for CDK v2.
   • Detailed walkthrough of implementing a serverless application with API Gateway, Lambda, and S3 using CDK v2.
   • Optional: Writing the Lambda code, which can be sourced from your Udemy course on AWS Lambda.

7. Implementing AWS Services in CloudFormation (YAML):

   • A comprehensive list of AWS services that will be coded in CloudFormation using YAML, including Lambda, API Gateway, EC2, S3, VPC, Subnets, IG, Route Table, NACL, Security Group, Tags, Route 53, Auto Scaling Group, Launch Configuration, CloudWatch Log Group, CloudWatch Alarm, SNS, and more.
   • Discussion on best practices for structuring CloudFormation templates.

8. AWS CloudFormation Concepts:

   • Detailed explanation of the AWSTemplateFormatVersion, Description, Metadata, Parameters, Rules, Mappings, Conditions, Transform, Resources, and Outputs within a CloudFormation template.
   • Understanding the lifecycle of a CloudFormation stack with ChangeSets.
   • Setting up the IAM role required for CloudFormation operations.
   • Configuring deletion policies for CloudFormation resources.

The course will likely provide hands-on examples and real-world scenarios to help you understand how to apply these concepts in practice. It will also cover best practices, design patterns, and tips for effective cloud infrastructure provisioning using AWS CloudFormation and AWS CDK v2.

Overall Course Review:

The course on AWS CloudFormation has garnered an impressive global rating of 4.75, with all recent reviews being positive. This suggests that the course is highly effective in delivering its content and is well-received by learners across various skill levels.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The course starts from the basics and gradually progresses to complex enterprise use cases, ensuring learners with different levels of expertise can follow along.

• Step-by-Step Approach: It builds complexity step by step, which is particularly beneficial for beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding of AWS CloudFormation.

• Real-world Use Cases: The course emphasizes practical applications of AWS CloudFormation, helping learners understand how different services can be integrated and utilized in real-world scenarios.

• Clear and Concise Modules: The modules within the course are described as very clear and concise, making it easier for learners to grasp complex concepts.

• Hands-On Exercises: The course offers practical hands-on exercises that allow learners to apply their knowledge directly, reinforcing learning through practice.

• In-depth Coverage: It provides an extensive coverage from basic to advanced levels, suitable for both newcomers to AWS technology and those seeking to expand their expertise in CloudFormation.

• Highly Recommended: The course is highly recommended by learners who appreciate its comprehensive approach and the quality of instruction.

Cons:

• Templates Issues: One review mentioned that the templates provided did not work as expected, specifically with instances, load balancers, etc. This could potentially cause difficulties for students trying to follow along with the course materials.

Learner Feedback Highlights:

• The course is described as very comprehensive and beneficial, with a focus on both basic and advanced level knowledge about CloudFormation.

• The instruction is praised for being well-explained and clear, making it one of the best ways to learn CloudFormation for both newcomers and seasoned AWS users.

• The content is highly organized and engaging, with an instructor who delivers the material effectively.

• Practical exercises are a standout feature of the course, providing learners with hands-on experience that is crucial for understanding how to implement CloudFormation in real-world scenarios.

Recommendation:

Based on the reviews, this AWS CloudFormation course is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn or expand their knowledge about this service. The positive feedback across various aspects of the course indicates its effectiveness and high quality. However, it is recommended that the issue with the templates be addressed promptly by the course creators to ensure a smooth learning experience for all students.

Final Verdict:

This AWS CloudFormation course is highly recommended due to its comprehensive coverage, clear instruction, engaging content, and practical exercises. It is an invaluable asset for anyone from beginner to advanced levels who wants to master AWS CloudFormation. The minor issue with templates should not significantly detract from the learning experience if resolved or used as a guide for learners to troubleshoot similar issues in their practice environments.