Step-by-Step Guide to Deploying a Web App on AWS Elastic Beanstalk

Steve Diaz
Nov 15, 2024
3 min read

Launching a web application may seem daunting at first ; but what if you could entirely focus on building your app & let someone else manage the complex infrastructure? That's exactly what AWS Elastic Beanstalk offers . It lets you launch your app without the hassle of managing servers or scaling.

Just think of Elastic Beanstalk is like a construction manager for your web app. Instead of managing with the foundation; plumbing,; & electrical work, you just tell it what you need; & it takes care the rest. All you need to do is upload your code. Let’s go through the process step-by-step; so you can get your app live with minimum issues.

Step 1: Set Up Your AWS Account

Before you start; you will need an AWS account. If you haven’t got one; go to AWS's sign-up page. Once you’re set up; you will have access to the AWS Management Console; where all the magic happens.

Step 2: Prepare Your Web App

Elastic Beanstalk supports a variety of programming languages; including Python, Java, & Node.js. So, make sure your app is ready for deployment. This means:

Double-check that all dependencies are installed.
Ensure your app runs smoothly in a local environment.
Create a configuration file (like package.json for Node.js or requirements.txt for Python).

Once everything is in order ; you’re good to go!

Step 3: Install AWS CLI

To interact with AWS from your local machine; you’ll need the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI). This tool is like a bridge between your computer & AWS.

Install the CLI:
- For macOS/Linux: Run pip install awscli.
- For Windows: Download it directly from AWS.
After installation; configure the CLI with your AWS credentials by running:

aws configure

Step 4: Create an Elastic Beanstalk Application

Now, let’s create the environment for your app on Elastic Beanstalk.

Go to the Elastic Beanstalk section in the AWS Console & click Create New Application.
Name your application; then choose the platform that suits your app (Python, Node.js, etc.).
Click Create Environment. Elastic Beanstalk will set up everything you need, from EC2 instances to load balancing.

Step 5: Deploy Your Web App

This is the thrilling part—deploying your app to the cloud!

Package your app into a .zip file, including all your code & dependencies.
Go to the Elastic Beanstalk Console, & click on Upload & Deploy.
Select your .zip file & hit Deploy. Elastic Beanstalk will handle the rest, ensuring your app is running smoothly in the cloud.

Step 6: Access Your Web App

Once deployed; Elastic Beanstalk will provide you with a public URL. That’s your gateway to the world. Click on the link, & you’ll see your app live & kicking.

Step 7: Monitor & Scale

Elastic Beanstalk doesn’t just deploy your app—it also takes care of monitoring & scaling. Under the Monitoring tab; you can view key metrics like CPU usage & request count.

Best of all; Elastic Beanstalk can automatically scale your app. If traffic spikes, AWS will spin up more resources to keep things running smoothly. It’s like having a team ready to handle increased demand , without you lifting a finger.

Final Thoughts

Deploying on AWS Elastic Beanstalk is simpler than you might think. Whether you are new to cloud services / searching for a more efficient way to manage infrastructure; Elastic Beanstalk is truly a game changer. To deepen your understanding of AWS Elastic Beanstalk and other cloud services, exploring aws developer training can provide valuable insights.

By automating the deployment; scaling & monitoring of your app; Elastic Beanstalk gives you peace of mind knowing your app is in good hands . So go ahead—get your web app live on AWS & let Elastic Beanstalk do what it does best!