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Compute

Ways to run code on AWS, from raw virtual machines to fully abstracted platforms. Higher up the list = more control; lower = less to manage.

ServiceWhat it isChoose whenKey distinction
Amazon EC2Virtual machines you fully controlYou need OS-level control or a specific configurationMost flexible, most to manage; the baseline everything else abstracts away
Amazon LightsailBundled VPS at a fixed monthly priceSmall, predictable workload; simplest possible serverFixed bundle, hides EC2’s knobs
AWS Elastic BeanstalkPaaS — upload code, it provisions the infraDeploy a web app fast but keep the underlying EC2AWS manages resources you still own and can tune
AWS BatchManaged batch job runnerLong-running compute jobs in a queueProvisions capacity per job, then tears it down
AWS Local ZonesRegion capability in a metro areaSingle-digit-ms latency to a specific cityAWS-owned facility on the public internet
AWS WavelengthCompute inside 5G carrier networksUltra-low latency to mobile usersLives in the telecom network
AWS OutpostsAWS hardware in your data centerData must stay on premisesYou host AWS-owned racks

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