Hey folks! I've just started my journey into AWS cloud computing and, even though I'm diving into resources and reading up on different services like EC2, S3, and IAM, I still feel like I'm only scratching the surface. I understand the concepts on paper, but when it comes to putting that knowledge into action—like provisioning infrastructure or launching a project—I tend to freeze up. I've watched tutorials and completed courses, but it feels like I'm just memorizing terms instead of really learning. I'm eager for some hands-on experience but unsure how to bridge that gap. Should I follow along with specific labs? Maybe start a small project and figure things out as I go? What's the best way to move from theoretical knowledge to practical skills? Are there platforms that offer guided exercises with AWS that could help me out? Any insights, tips, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. I'm committed, just don't want to feel lost any longer. Thanks!
3 Answers
When I first learned to start an EC2 instance, I just went for it! I had a basic understanding from shared hosting but didn’t have a lot of labs to rely on, so I threw myself into it. That kind of hands-on trial and error really shaped my learning. Don’t be afraid to play around!
Do you have a grasp of networking and Linux? If not, I'd suggest getting those fundamentals down first. I highly recommend Stephane Maarek's courses on Udemy. He provides a ton of practical knowledge, and following along with the steps is crucial, not just watching!
The best way to nail down your AWS skills is by jumping in and doing stuff! Start with a specific goal like 'deploy this code on a web server' and tackle it through various methods. For instance, you could host a static website on an S3 bucket, then try it on an EC2 instance, set up SSL, and maybe even add a database in a separate instance. Challenge yourself to automate the whole thing with tools like Terraform or Ansible once you're comfortable! Check out [DevOps Upskill Challenge](https://devopsupskillchallenge.com/) for ideas.
Totally agree! Starting with a solid base in networking and Linux makes AWS so much easier to digest. It really helps to understand concepts like BGP, too.