In this article we will discuss the difference between AWS EC2 Launch Configuration and Launch Template, and how they work. Also, we will look into the step-by-step instructions on how to create a launch template.
AWS launch configurations and templates could appear to be pretty similar at first glance. Both allow you to define the EC2 Instance specifics. Let’s have a look at their differences and see which one we should prefer.
Table of Contents
- What is Launch Configuration?
- What is Launch Templates?
- AWS Launch Templates vs Launch Configurations: A Comparison
- EC2 Launch Templates – Key Features & Components
- Use Cases of EC2 Launch Templates
- Conclusion
What is Launch Configuration?
AWS Launch configuration is an instance configuration template that an Auto Scaling group uses to launch EC2 instances since 2010. Launch configuration requires information like Amazon Machine Image (AMI), the instance type, a key pair, one or more security groups, and a block device mapping.
AWS strongly recommends that you do not use launch configurations. They do not provide full functionality for Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling or Amazon EC2. Amazon requests customers to migrate Launch configuration templates to Launch templates.
What is Launch Templates?
Launch Templates is not a new capability. It’s available since 2017. Launch Templates enable a new way of templating your launch requests. Launch Templates reduce the number of steps required to create an instance by capturing all launch parameters within one resource. This makes the process easy to reproduce.
Also, with support for Auto Scaling, Spot Fleet, Spot and On-Demand instances, Launch Templates make it easier to implement standards and best practices, helping you to manage costs better, improve your security posture, and minimize the risk of deployment errors. This capability is available at no additional cost
AWS Launch Configuration vs Launch Template: A Comparison
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the differences between AWS EC2 Launch Configuration vs Launch Template:
| Feature | Launch Template | Launch Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A resource that contains the configuration information to launch EC2 instances. | An older resource used for configuring EC2 instances in an Auto Scaling group. |
| Versioning | Supports versioning, allowing multiple versions to be created and used. | Does not support versioning; only one configuration can be active at a time. |
| Parameter Flexibility | Allows for a broader set of parameters including new features and settings. | Limited parameter set compared to launch templates. |
| EC2 Spot Instances | Supports the use of EC2 Spot instances with additional options. | Does not support EC2 Spot instances. |
| Block Device Mappings | Allows for complex block device mappings. | Basic block device mapping functionality only. |
| Network Interfaces | Supports multiple network interfaces. | Supports only a single network interface. |
| Default Values | Can define default values for parameters. | No support for default values; all parameters must be specified. |
| Lifecycle Hooks | Can be used with lifecycle hooks. | Can also be used with lifecycle hooks but may not support newer features. |
| Use Cases | Recommended for new applications; allows for more customization and flexibility. | Generally used for older applications; AWS recommends migrating to launch templates. |
| AWS Services | Integrated with various AWS services like ECS and EKS. | Limited integration with newer AWS services. |
Summary
- AWS Launch Templates offer more flexibility, versioning, and additional features, making them a more versatile choice for managing EC2 instance configurations
- AWS Launch Configurations are simpler but lack the advanced features found in launch templates, making them suitable for straightforward use cases
Launch Templates are generally recommended for new deployments due to their enhanced capabilities. AWS is phasing out the Launch configuration and insisting customers migrate to the launch template.
EC2 Launch Templates – Key Features & Components
1. Instance Configuration:
Launch templates include configuration details for instances, such as the AMI ID, instance type, key pair, security groups, block device mapping, and other settings.
2. Versioning:
Launch templates support versioning, allowing users to create and manage multiple versions of a launch template. Each version can have different configurations.
3. Default Version:
Users can designate one version of a launch template as the default version. When launching instances without specifying a version, the default version is used.
4. Instance Type Flexibility:
Launch templates offer flexibility in specifying instance types. Users can specify multiple instance types and their weights, and EC2 Auto Scaling uses this information to launch instances based on availability.
5. Spot Instances and On-Demand Instances:
Launch templates support the configuration of both Spot Instances and On-Demand Instances. Users can specify the allocation strategy, which determines how Spot Instances are launched.
6. IAM Role:
Users can associate an IAM role with a launch template. This role is assumed by the instances when launched, granting the instances the specified permissions.
7. Network Configuration:
Launch templates include network configuration details, such as the Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), subnet, and network interfaces.
8. Monitoring and Tenancy:
Users can configure instance monitoring settings (e.g., enable detailed monitoring) and tenancy (e.g., dedicated instances).
9. EC2 fleet integration:
Launch templates are often used in conjunction with EC2 Fleet, which allows users to provision and manage a fleet of EC2 instances across different instance types, Availability Zones, and purchase models.
10. Tagging:
Launch templates allow users to specify tags that are applied to instances launched from the template. Tags are useful for resource organization and management.
Use Cases of EC2 Launch Templates
Consistent Configuration:
Launch templates ensure that instances are launched with consistent configurations, reducing the likelihood of configuration errors.
Automation and Scripting:
Launch templates are useful for scripting and automation tools, making it easier to launch instances with predefined configurations.
Scalability with EC2 Auto Scaling:
EC2 Auto Scaling groups often use launch templates to define the configuration of instances that should be launched or terminated based on demand.
Fleet Provisioning:
Launch templates are commonly used in conjunction with EC2 Fleet to define the configurations of instances within a fleet.
Management of Multiple Configurations:
Users can create multiple versions of a launch template to manage different configurations or update existing configurations
Conclusion
Hope this article explained the key differences between EC2 launch configuration vs EC2 launch template. In our next part, we will discuss how to create an EC2 Launch template.
Read More on AWS:
AWS for Beginners: How to Create an Amazon ECS Cluster – Part 69
AWS for Beginners: How to Access the AWS EC2 Instance Serial Console – Part 68
AWS for Beginners: How to Create & Manage EC2 Instances using AWS CLI – Part 67
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