Answers to the Top 21 Questions that Will Be Asked in AWS Interviews in 2023

As the AWS interview is approaching, it’s essential to ensure you’re adequately prepared for the process. Familiarising yourself with commonly asked AWS interview questions is crucial, such as those involving cloud computing, AWS services, and general technical concepts. Moreover, having a solid understanding of AWS’s fundamental concepts, including its purpose, services, and benefits, can be highly advantageous. During an AWS interview, an excellent way to describe it would be as an Amazon Web Services cloud computing platform that offers an array of services ranging from powerful computing capabilities to smart storage solutions, allowing businesses to quickly scale cost-effectively.

Require further clarification regarding the points raised? Keep reading!

Therefore, what precisely is AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS), a division of Amazon.com, provides a comprehensive cloud-computing platform for businesses, consumers, and government agencies. Clients can purchase access to AWS’s cloud computing services and application programming interfaces (APIs) to meet their needs. AWS consolidates Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) services into one integrated cloud computing platform.

The basics of preparing for an AWS interview

1. What is the purpose of the AWS term “buffer”?

   An Elastic Load Balancer (ELB) aids in efficiently distributing incoming network traffic across multiple instances in Amazon Web Services (AWS). By maintaining synchronisation between several moving elements, an ELB creates a buffer that makes the system more resilient to sudden spikes in traffic or load.
   
   Since these components can be unpredictable in their responses to requests, they can be challenging to manage. The buffer helps create a more regular process by enabling the various pieces of equipment used in service delivery to operate at the same pace.

2. Why do programmers generate subnets?

   Subnets are used to break down large networks into more easily manageable segments.
   
   There are several reasons for creating these separate networks. For example, congestion can be alleviated by using subnets to limit traffic to a particular area. This reduces the strain on the network and improves the efficiency of incoming traffic routing.

3. What is the concept of an elastic transcoder?

   Amazon Web Services‘ Elastic Transcoder is a powerful tool designed to allow developers to easily adjust the format and quality of videos, making them viewable on a variety of devices. This tool offers a user-friendly approach to ensure optimal quality and compatibility, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to make their video content available to the widest audience possible.

4. What is Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)?

   Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) allows programmers to establish a tailored network infrastructure. A VPC network serves as a virtual firewall, effectively separating it from other cloud networks. Using a VPC, developers may have their own subnets, security groups, and IP address ranges, giving them more autonomy over their network environment.

5. What group of Cloud Services includes Load Balancing and DNS Services?

   The IaaS-Storage Cloud Service category includes both Load Balancing and Domain Name System services.

6. What is EC2?

   Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is a cloud-based virtual computer operating system platform that developers can manage. EC2 provides a practical solution for programmers who require an on-demand cloud server, giving them greater flexibility. Additionally, EC2 is ideal for developers who require hardware and software update control or to replicate the on-premises server environment in the cloud.

7. What is the SnowBall?

   The SnowBall tool enables developers to quickly move large quantities of data to and from the AWS cloud.

Common questions and responses for an intermediate level AWS interview

1. What is S3 in AWS?

   Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (S3) allows developers to securely store and access an unlimited number of files from any location worldwide using the internet. This cost-effective service operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, making it an excellent option for a wide range of projects.

2. What is the process for launching a request when utilising Amazon S3?

   Amazon S3 is a RESTful service that may be accessed by developers utilizing either the REST API or the AWS Software Development Kit (SDK) wrapper libraries.

3. What is the relationship between AWS Availability Regions and Availability Zones?

   The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Regions cover a vast geographic area. In contrast, AWS Availability Zones are unique areas situated within a specific Region. Additionally, it is not expected that any problems in one Availability Zone will negatively impact the performance of other nearby Availability Zones.

4. What are the benefits of AWS IAM?

   Through Amazon Web Services (AWS) Identity and Access Management (IAM), system administrators can implement granular access control to individual users and groups. This allows for a customised level of access to be granted to different user groups and individuals based on their specific needs.

5. Explain the concept of a Security Group.

   A security group is a virtual firewall that functions on rules implemented by developers to regulate user access to different instances.
   
   When designing an Amazon Web Services (AWS) instance, developers have the choice of making it available to the public network. However, in circumstances where access to the instance must be restricted to a specific group of networks, some developers prefer to collaborate with security firms to guarantee adequate protection for their instance.

6. What is the difference between Spot and On-Demand instances?

   When launching Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances, not all of the available processing power and computational capabilities may be utilised. In this case, another option is to use Spot Instances, which can be launched when available resources become available. This may be beneficial for application developers who have the flexibility to adjust their applications’ uptime according to available resources.
   
   Rather than relying on a fixed number of instances, developers can create instances as needed. This method provides a simplified pricing model and the assurance that each instance will remain active until manually terminated by the developers.

7. What is Connection Draining?

   Connection Draining is a useful feature offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that increases system resilience. It allows servers to respond to requests while being taken out of service or upgraded, ensuring a smooth transition of services without disrupting ongoing requests, and enabling an uninterrupted level of service for users.
   
   If Connection Draining is enabled, the load balancer pauses sending requests to an instance that is being phased out. This gives it time to complete any current requests before being taken offline. If Connection Draining is not enabled, the instance is abruptly shut down without completing any pending requests, causing request failures.

Common Questions and Responses for an Advanced Level AWS Interview

1. What approach can be used to submit a file larger than 100 MB to Amazon S3?

   The AWS Multipart Upload Utility is a tool designed to allow developers to upload files larger than 100 MB.
   
   By dividing large files into multiple parts, the Multipart Upload Utility streamlines the upload process, and developers can opt to simultaneously transfer multiple components. Upon completion of the upload and reassembly of the parts, a single file is created that accurately reflects the original file before being divided into parts.

2. Is it possible to alter the Private IP Address of a halted or active EC2 instance?

   No, it is not possible to modify the private IP address of an EC2 instance.
   
   Each EC2 instance is assigned a unique IP address the moment it is launched. This IP address represents the instance’s fixed, unalterable private IP address.

3. Which scaling approach would be best suited for RDS, and why?

   Scaling anything can be done either horizontally or vertically, and in either an upward or downward direction. Vertical scaling involves expanding a primary database to cater to a larger user base more conveniently.
   
   The Remote Database Service (RDS) can be adjusted in eighteen different ways to either increase or decrease its size. However, when it comes to database scaling, vertical scaling is the chosen method for expanding their size. While horizontal scaling is more appropriate for data replication, only Amazon Aurora supports this approach since copies are read-only.

4. What does “Power User Access” signify in AWS?

   The individual who is tasked with managing Amazon Web Services (AWS) resources serves in a role similar to that of a superuser. They possess the ability to create, delete, modify, and review AWS resources as well as grant access to other users.
   
   While Power User Access grants users administrative controls, they are not authorised to manage other user accounts. Power users can add, remove, modify, and review resources, but cannot grant access to other users.

5. What distinguishes an Instance Store Volume from an EBS Volume?

   When using an instance, it is crucial to store temporary data in a dedicated Instance Store Volume. While this volume can be accessed while the instance is running, it is removed immediately once the instance is terminated, and all data on it is permanently lost. Therefore, it is essential to back up any necessary data before terminating an instance.
   
   In contrast to an Instance Store Volume, an Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) Volume is a persistent storage device that can store data and information indefinitely, even after the instance it is associated with has been terminated. As a result, the information stored on an EBS Volume remains available for future use.

6. How do CloudTrail and Route 53 interact with each other when used together?

   CloudTrail provides a comprehensive record of every API call made to the Amazon Route 53 service from any AWS account, including those submitted by IAM users. Each request is automatically logged by CloudTrail to an Amazon S3 bucket, capturing all relevant details. Using CloudTrail, organisations can track and monitor changes made to their Route 53 domains, ensuring that all requests are logged and can be traced back to their source.
   
   Analysing the CloudTrail log files provides further insight into the requests sent to Amazon Route 53, including the IP addresses from which the requests originated, the identities of those who submitted them, the time of submission, and additional details that may be valuable to the organisation.

7. What are AWS Key-Pairs used for?

   AWS Key-Pairs are sensitive credentials used by users to verify their identity when establishing a secure network connection with Amazon EC2 instances. To gain access to the virtual machines, users must provide a secret password to authenticate their Key-Pairs.

Final Thoughts

To succeed in the fiercely competitive cloud computing industry as an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Developer, a comprehensive knowledge of AWS is crucial. In order to be fully prepared for your upcoming AWS job interview, it is recommended that you have a thorough understanding of the most common AWS interview questions that can help you to be fully equipped for the interview.

To increase your chances of success, it’s crucial to adequately prepare for the application process, especially as many organisations receive a large number of applications and have a rigorous selection process to identify the most qualified candidates.

If you’re having difficulty securing a job as an AWS developer, consider exploring opportunities with Works. Here, you’ll find a range of full-time remote engineering and software development positions with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement. Additionally, joining Works provides you with the opportunity to network with some of the software industry’s most prominent professionals from around the world.

FAQs

1. How can I adequately prepare for an AWS interview?

   To assist you in preparing for an interview with Amazon Web Services, we have created a list of the top five things you should be familiar with
   1. CloudObjects utilises Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) for storing objects.
   2. A static webpage hosted on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud using S3 and distributed through CloudFront.
   3. Creating a serverless application using AWS Lambda.
   4. Deploying a server managed by Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2).
   5. Acronyms associated with Amazon Web Services (AWS), such as AES, ADFS, ASG, and more.

2. What kind of questions can I anticipate in an AWS interview?

   The five most frequently asked interview questions at AWS, along with their solutions, can be found in our article on the top 21 C# interview questions for 2023:
   1. In the context of Amazon Web Services, what is the definition of the term “buffer”?
   2. What is the precise purpose of creating subnets?
   3. What is the relationship between a region and availability zones?
   4. Can you elucidate the concept of an Elastic Transcoder?
   5. What does “VPC” signify to you?

3. How would you describe AWS during an interview?

   Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a branch of Amazon.com that offers a comprehensive cloud computing platform. Subscribers including businesses, customers, and government agencies can obtain a variety of cloud computing services and application programming interfaces. The AWS platform combines Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings into a unified cloud computing framework.