Top 20 AWS DevOps Interview Questions & Answers: Ultimate Guide 2024

Anyone who grapples with or is trying to make a career in software development and cloud technology would have come across AWS DevOps interview questions on multiple occasions. In today’s fast-evolving world of technology, the Amazon Web Services is one of the most disruptive and yet pioneering cloud computing technologies available.

The Amazon Web Services, or as popularly called, AWS has revolutionized the way business is conducted on the internet by taking e-commerce a notch above the standard molds of software development. Using cutting edge technology to build a robust community of customers and service partners, AWS facilitates fast-paced business and delivery of services from remote locations. 

Our Learners also read: Career in Devops!

Many AWS DevOps interview questions try to gauge what makes AWS so relevant to the current software ecosystem. AWS is empanelled by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, analytics, and data lakes. This makes AWS the leading cloud computing platform in the world that enables millions of customers to access practically every industry.

Learn about the best DevOps certification available at upGrad.

Also, check out the DevOps jobs in the market.

Another core concern of the most commonly asked AWS DevOps interview questions is to understand the dynamics between DevOps and AWS. So understanding the functionality of DevOps, especially in the context of AWS, is crucial.

A thorough knowledge of the AWS DevOps has slowly emerged as a decisive criterion for all job interviews and fundraising pitches. Therefore, for all aspiring software developers of e-commerce entrepreneurs, familiarising oneself with AWS DevOps is of utmost importance. Here we have strategically picked out some of the most commonly asked AWS DevOps interview questions and answers. 

Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition.

Effective Tips to Crack AWS DevOps Interview

Clearing an AWS DevOps interview requires thorough preparation and a solid understanding of AWS services, DevOps principles, and related tools. Till now, you must have had a clear understanding of AWS interview questions for DevOps. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your AWS DevOps interview:

Review AWS Services: Familiarise yourself with the key AWS services commonly used in DevOps, such as AWS CodePipeline, AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodeDeploy, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, AWS CloudFormation, AWS Lambda, etc. Understand their purposes and how they fit into the DevOps workflow.

Practice Hands-on Projects: Work on real-world projects that involve deploying applications on AWS using DevOps practices. Hands-on experience is invaluable in demonstrating your skills and understanding during the interview.

Learn Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Understand the concept of IaC and practice using tools like AWS CloudFormation or AWS CDK to automate the provisioning and management of AWS resources.

Explore CI/CD Pipelines: Study Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment concepts, and build CI/CD pipelines using AWS services like CodePipeline and CodeBuild. Be prepared to explain the stages in a pipeline and how they integrate with other AWS services.

Brush Up on Scripting and Automation: Be proficient in scripting languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell, as automation is a crucial aspect of DevOps. Demonstrate how you can automate tasks and configurations using these scripts.

Learn Monitoring and Logging: Understand how to monitor AWS resources using services like Amazon CloudWatch and set up logging to capture and analyze application logs for troubleshooting. 

Know Security Best Practices: Be familiar with AWS IAM, security groups, encryption mechanisms, and other security-related services. Understand how to implement security best practices in AWS environments.

Demonstrate Troubleshooting Skills: Be prepared to explain how you approach troubleshooting and resolving issues in AWS DevOps setups. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail to get AWS DevOps jobs and ace your interview.

Top AWS DevOps Interview Questions for Freshers regarding CI/CD

When you appear for an AWS DevOps interview for the first time, you will definitely encounter a few generalized AWS DevOps engineer interview questions on CI/CD pipelines and software development. Below are a few AWS DevOps interview questions for freshers:

Check out upGrad’s Advanced Certification in DevOps

Q1. What is CI/CD, and how does AWS play a role in it?

The combined processes of continuous integration and continuous delivery, also known as a continuous deployment (CD), are known as CI/CD in the field of software engineering. By mandating automation in creating, testing, and deploying applications, CI/CD fills the gaps between production and operational activities and teams. The progressive code changes made by programmers are compiled, linked, and packaged into software deliverables via CI/CD services.

To shorten the time it takes to build and deliver a piece of software, AWS offers a wide range of tools for CI/CD. Every time there is a code change in a particular repository linked to the pipeline, AWS automates the create, test, and deploy portions of the continuous integration process based on the release model, the pipeline that the program is running on, and continuously deploys the updated version. This allows companies to offer new version releases of software swiftly.

Q2. How would you define Continuous Testing in DevOps?

This is one of the frequently asked AWS DevOps engineer interview questions.

Continuous testing is the execution of automated tests every time a piece of code is merged. This makes it possible for engineers to get immediate feedback on the most recent merging of code. Automation of tests is encouraged throughout the development cycle through principles of continuous testing.

By doing this, teams are guaranteed to assess the software’s overall quality and the code’s validity at each level. Organizations may use these insights to determine if the program is prepared to proceed through the delivery pipeline.

Check out upGrad: Full Stack Development Bootcamp (JS/MERN)

Q3. What is SDLC?

SDLC stands for Software Development Life Cycle. The principles of SDLC allow software companies to provide the fastest development of software by using the least amount of resources(budget and time).

The SDLC develops and specifies a comprehensive plan with stages, or phases, each of which has its own procedure and outputs. Following the SDLC reduces project risks and costs and speeds up development while increasing the efficiency of production.

upGrad’s Exclusive Software and Tech Webinar for you –

SAAS Business – What is So Different?

Q4. Name a few popular DevOps tools used in the industry.

A few DevOps tools used in the industry are Selenium, GitHub and GitLab, Ansible, Jenkins, etc.

Top AWS DevOps Interview Questions & Answers for Experienced Developers

You might also have had a bit of experience using AWS before the interview. Below are a few AWS DevOps interview questions and answers for experienced developers:

Q1. Would you define DevOps as a framework or a programming language?

As an experienced programmer, AWS DevOps interview questions and answers often put this question to comprehend your level of expertise, so take your time in answering this while directing each step with vigilance.  

The language used to create computer programs is known as a programming language. It may be Python, C, Java, C++, C#, etc. 

A framework is basically an assortment of helpful tools that you may utilize to create your own apps. A framework provides a pre-defined way of creating your application. You may use it as an application’s backbone to create your own features. Frameworks are often created in a particular programming language.

To be precise, DevOps is neither a framework nor a programming language. In fact, it is an innovative blend of both. DevOps combines development and operations to build a software which enhances the productivity of the organizations and enables them to deliver high-quality service promptly. 

Q2. How do DevOps models integrate development and operations?

Simply put, DevOps bring together the best of both worlds in order to enhance the efficiency and performance of the software with a minimum scope of error. Development features like faster deployment, feedback, and testing tools are incorporated alongside operational attributes such as virtualization, continuous monitoring, configuration management et al.

This provides a foolproof structure to the cloud platform, and in many ways, DevOps is the driving force of a cloud platform which makes businesses adaptable to the current needs. 

Q3. What is AWS, and how does it relate to DevOps?

AWS stands for Amazon Web Services, which is an advanced cloud computing platform that provides high velocity and superior quality services to customers worldwide. AWS builds in features that are highly compatible with DevOps. Since AWS caters to a vast array of customers who are based in different locations, DevOps enables AWS to maintain the promised fast-paced delivery of services, automate manual interventions as well as scale-up solutions even in complex environments. 

Q4. What are the benefits of using AWS for DevOps?

AWS for DevOps ushers a whole gamut of advantages. Some of them are:

• Easy to start and easy to use- Unlike the traditional software development processes where the first step would be to install a particular software, AWS does not have any additional installation requisites. All you need is to open an AWS account online to access the treasure trove of Amazon Web Services. 
• Comprehensive services- AWS offers fully managed operations, so the customers need not spend any additional time and resource on infrastructural requirements such as setting up and installation. As soon as you set up your AWS account, the infrastructural requirements are automatically taken care of by DevOps. This enables the customers to direct their attention straight to building their core product. 
• Enhanced Scaling-In today’s world of e-commerce, scaling is winning. Speedy delivery of applications is the key to securing your client base. In that regard, AWS’s simplified provisioning, configuration, and scaling features make it feasible to scale up from a single instance to multiples of thousands without any additional software interventions. 
• Flexible programming- AWS is highly programmable and may be adapted to suit the needs of the vendors individually. While customers may avail of all the services provided by AWS through the AWS Command Line Interface, there is also an option for customizing your service requirements with the help of the declarative AWS Cloud Formation templates, which allows you to provision the AWS resources and infrastructure according to your specific needs. 
• Automation- An vital aspect of the enhanced speed of deployment and delivery in AWS is ascertained by the increased automation in AWS. AWS lets you focus on building the core product efficiency by eliminating the need for manual interventions in tasks such as deployment, development, and testing of workflows, configuration management, and container management. 
• Reliable and Secure- AWS includes a watertight security system to ensure your data is immune to any security breaches. The AWS Identity and Access Management mechanism grants the customer complete control over the access and use of their resources. Customers can set permissions about access to different levels of information as per their own policies. 
• A large community of customers and partners-AWS have significantly transformed the e-commerce ecosystem by directly integrating a considerable cohort of customers and service partners. Members of this dynamic community can forge a granular connection with the other party using AWS tools and deliver or access end to end solutions. The availability of an enormous variety of services is also a unique feature of AWS. 
• Pay-As-You-Go-This feature is what really sets AWS apart. Unlike traditional platforms, AWS does not levy any upfront fees or paid package to avail of their services. You may opt for specific services and pay only for those and for the period of time that suits your needs. AWS does not impose any contractual obligations. 

Q5. How does AWS DevOps facilitate Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery?

AWS DevOps tools let the programmer be in control at all points. The automation feature dilutes the need for manual interventions, even in complex ecosystems. It makes it possible for the developer to securely store their code in the AWS system while automatically building, testing, and deploying the application in the developers’ target premises. These tools make sure that the product efficiency isn’t compromised due to manual tasks, and instead, continuous integration and consistent delivery can be achieved. 

AWS DevOps tools such as AWS CodePipeline, AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodeDeploy are some of the tools popularly used for this purpose. 

Q6. What are some of the popular AWS DevOps tools?

• AWS CodePipeline- AWS CodePipeline automatically builds, tests, and deploys the application to the target on-premise whenever the programmer makes any change in the code. This feature is mostly responsible for continuous integration and continuous delivery. This makes it possible to maintain consistently fast delivery and manage all infrastructural updates of the application without any operational hassles. 
• AWS CodeBuild- AWS CodeBuild is a granular code building tool that is fully managed in order to build source codes, run tests, and make ready to deploy software packages. By virtue of the AWS CodeBuild, developers need to wait for their codes to be scaled since it continuously and simultaneously scales multiple builds. 
• AWS CodeDeploy- This is an automated code deployment mechanism that makes AWS deploy your applications to an on-premise at any instance. This is strategic in releasing new features in a time and cost-efficient manner, avoiding any downtime or software challenges during such updates. 
• AWS CodeStar- AWS CodeStar provides a unified user interface that enables you to develop and deploy applications fast on AWS. With this feature, you can build the entire delivery toolchain at once since CodeStar lets you manage all aspects of software management in one place. 
• AWS CodeCommit- This feature enables organizations to host and securely store private Git repositories. This makes AWS DevOps work seamlessly with GIT tools without the intervention of the developer to manage their source control systems. 

Q7. Describe how some of the popular retailers gain from AWS DevOps.

AWS DevOps has found widespread use in the world of e-commerce, with some of the predominant retail giants relying on its services for efficient service delivery and customer outreach. Some of the popular brands which extensively use AWS DevOps are listed here. 

• Instacart- Instacart automates the deployment of all its front end and back end services using AWS CodeDeploy. This has reduced a lot of operational delays and hurdles for Instacart, and they can continue focusing on building their core product.
• Lululemon Athletica-Lululemon Athletica sets an excellent example of what the AWS Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery can achieve. It uses AWS CodePipeline to distribute artifacts. 

Q8. What are some of the salient services in AWS for DevOps?

• Amazon Elastic Container Services- The Amazon Elastic Container Services is a high-performance container management service which backs up docker containers and helps in running high-velocity applications on managed clusters in one or the other Amazon instances. 
• AWS Lambda- AWS Lambda is a boon for all developers who’ve been limited thus far by the specificity of servers and types of applications. With AWS Lambda, it is possible to run any application or backend services without the hassle of managing or provisioning servers. All you need is to upload your code and let AWS Lambda work its magic. 

Q9. What are the AWS Developer Tools?

The AWS Developer Tools assist the software developers to rapidly develop and deliver secure software applications. These tools come handy in uploading and storing the source codes. The automated features promptly build, test, and deploy the codes to AWS or any other on-premise environments without any manual interventions. These tools help in engineering end to end software release workflow without any unwanted delays.

Q10. What are some of the web services available with AWS DevOps?

• Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud or EC2- Amazon EC2 is a web service that facilitates safe and resizable compute capacity in the given cloud platform. This makes web-scale cloud computing a lot smoother and faster for developers. 
• Amazon Simple Storage Service or S3- Amazon S3 is integral to the Amazon Elastic Container Services. This object storage entails a simple web service interface to not only store but also retrieve any information from anywhere on the web. 
• Amazon Relational Database Service or RDS- Amazon RDS helps to create, manage, and scale any relational database in the cloud. 

Q11. What is Amazon Quick Sight in AWS DevOps?

Amazon Quick Sight is essentially a cloud-powered business analytics service that assists in building visualizations, performing ad-hoc analysis, and getting quick and reliable business insights from the data available. 

Q12. What do you mean by AWS LoT in AWS DevOps?

AWS LoT in AWS DevOps refers to a managed cloud platform that lets connected devices interact securely and smoothly with cloud applications and other devices. One way of looking at it as a highly advanced Bluetooth network. 

Q13. What is VPC in AWS DevOps?

A virtual private cloud or VPC is a cloud network associated with your AWS account. It is the foremost networking layer for your own AWS infrastructure. It lets you create regions or subnets, configure route tables, security groups, or internet gateways to AWS accounts. This, in turn, grants you easy access to AWS resources such as Amazon EC2 or Amazon RDS. You can also connect two VPCs using private IP addresses. This is known as VPC Peering. 

Q14. What is EBS?

Elastic Block Storage or EBS refers to a virtual storage area network. The Amazon EBS enables persistent block-level volumes of storage, which can be used with the Amazon EC2 instances. They are very reliable and compatible with any available instances that are running in the given storage area.

Using EBS often entails mounting the device after formatting it with a filesystem. EBS enables sophisticated storage functions, including cloning and snapshotting. EBS volumes are constructed on duplicated back-end storage, preventing data loss in the event of a component failure.

Q15. What does AMI stand for?

AMI denotes Amazon Machine Image, which is essentially a snapshot of the root file system. AMI accords the information required to launch a virtual server in the cloud. It includes a template for the root volume, launch permissions that control AWS accounts as well as block device mapping tools. 

Q16. How does auto-scaling work in AWS DevOps?

A cloud computing technique known as autoscaling, occasionally called automatic scaling, dynamically and automatically manages the number of computational resources in a data center. The amount of resources required is usually determined by the number of active servers based on the server load. For instance, based on the number of people that are actively using the website, the number of servers powering a web application or a web page may be automatically raised or lowered.

AWS enables the users to automatically configure and scale up new instances without any manual interventions. AWS also provides for vertical scaling. 

Q17. How is Buffer used in AWS DevOps?

AWS uses Buffer to synchronize different components that go a long way in bursting traffic. Buffer helps in maintaining the balance between the different elements. 

Q18. What is AWS Elastic Beanstalk?

AWS Elastic Beanstalk is an Amazon Web Services coordination solution for app deployment that orchestrates several AWS services such as S3, EC2, autoscaling, Elastic Load Balancers, etc. Elastic Beanstalk adds an extra layer of abstraction to the bare server and operating system. With AWS Elastic Beanstalk, developers can efficiently run and deploy applications on the cloud platform. 

With AWS Elastic Beanstalk, developers can efficiently run and deploy applications on the cloud platform. 

Q19. What is AWS Cloud Formation?

AWS Cloud Formation provides infrastructural backups to the needs of different types of applications. It enables developers to conveniently provision the various AWS resources. 

Q20. Why does it help to adopt an AWS DevOps model?

AWS DevOps enhance organizational efficiency and also reduces costs. So adopting the AWS DevOps model entails a huge range of benefits. This can start with a simple overhaul in the work culture and, more importantly, the professional mindset. AWS DevOps integrates the expertise of two separate teams; i.e., development and operations, and help them provide quality services to the customers better.

Learn Online Software Development Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs or Masters Programs to fast-track your career.

5 Important Skills to Get an AWS DevOps Job

• Proficiency in AWS Services: A strong understanding of various AWS services is crucial for an AWS DevOps job. 
• DevOps Tools and Automation: Familiarity with popular DevOps tools and the ability to automate processes are essential. 
• Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Companies value candidates who can set up, manage, and optimize CI/CD pipelines.
• Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting: AWS DevOps professionals need to identify and resolve issues quickly. 
• Collaboration and Communication: Being part of a DevOps team requires excellent collaboration and communication skills.

While these skills are essential for an AWS DevOps job, it’s also essential to continue learning and staying up-to-date with the evolving AWS services and DevOps practices. 

Conclusion

With this, we finish our AWS DevOps Interview Questions and Answers Guide. We hope our guide is helpful. We will be updating the guide regularly to keep you updated on the latest AWS DevOps interview questions and answers for experienced and freshers.

If you are interested to become a DevOps engineer, check out IIIT-B & upGrad’s Executive PG Program in Full Stack Software Development Program.