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AWS Serverless: Dashboards & Alarms

1. Introduction

Dashboards and alarms play a crucial role in monitoring and observability for AWS Serverless architectures. They allow developers and operators to visualize application performance, detect anomalies, and respond promptly to issues.

2. Key Concepts

2.1 Dashboards

Dashboards provide a visual representation of metrics and logs from your AWS services, allowing you to monitor their performance in real-time.

2.2 Alarms

Alarms are notifications triggered by certain thresholds or conditions in your metrics. They help you maintain the health of your application by alerting you when something goes wrong.

3. Step-by-Step Guide

3.1 Create a CloudWatch Dashboard

  1. Log in to the AWS Management Console.
  2. Navigate to CloudWatch.
  3. Click on "Dashboards" in the left pane.
  4. Select "Create dashboard."
  5. Enter a name for your dashboard and choose "Create."
  6. Add widgets to your dashboard by selecting the desired metrics.
  7. Click "Save dashboard" to save your changes.

3.2 Set Up CloudWatch Alarms

  1. In the CloudWatch console, select "Alarms."
  2. Click on "Create alarm."
  3. Choose a metric to alarm on (e.g., Lambda Invocations).
  4. Define the condition (e.g., greater than 1000 invocations).
  5. Set notification options (e.g., via SNS).
  6. Review and create the alarm.
Note: Always test your alarms to ensure they trigger correctly under the expected conditions.

4. Best Practices

  • Utilize CloudWatch Metrics to track key performance indicators.
  • Regularly review and update your dashboards to reflect changing needs.
  • Set alarms for critical metrics that impact user experience.
  • Use SNS for alarm notifications to ensure timely responses.
  • Combine metrics for a holistic view of application performance.

5. FAQ

What is the difference between a dashboard and an alarm?

A dashboard provides visual insights into your application's performance, while an alarm notifies you of specific conditions or thresholds being met.

How do I know which metrics to monitor?

Identify critical user journeys, application bottlenecks, and business objectives to determine which metrics are most vital for monitoring.

Can I customize my CloudWatch dashboard?

Yes, you can customize your CloudWatch dashboard by adding various widgets, choosing metrics, and arranging the layout according to your preferences.