EC2 Image Builder

What is EC2 Image Builder?

EC2 Image Builder simplifies the creation, maintenance, validation, sharing, and deployment of Linux or Windows Server images (AMIs) and container images. It replaces manual scripts or "golden image" pipelines.

Key Concepts

1. Golden Image Pipeline

• Define a base OS (e.g., Amazon Linux 2).
• Add components (e.g., Java, Python, Security Agents).
• Run tests (e.g., "Does it boot?").
• Distribute the result as an AMI to multiple regions.

2. No Cost

• The service itself is free; you only pay for the underlying resources (EC2 instances used to build the image, S3 storage for logs).

Exam Tips

Common Use Cases

• Compliance: Ensuring every server launched has the latest security patch and corporate antivirus pre-installed.
• Standardization: Distributing a hardened "Gold AMI" to all development teams.