As we move through the groups of AWS services, the developer tools group is one of the most impressive.  Amazon does an excellent job of providing you everything you need to jump right in and get into writing code.  Buckle up as we look into this broad group of services.

Code Commit

The options for version control go beyond Git.  However, it seems like the other choices are becoming less and less viable.  Thus, Amazon skips looking at any other option.  They have provided Code Commit as a way to give you a personal git repository that is integrated in with several of the other tools we will be looking at.  It is not much more than a robust git solution.  Nevertheless, it is maybe all you need for your version control requirements.

Command Line Interface, SDK Libraries, and API

The user interface of AWS services is often compelling and easy to learn.  However, the power you are given to code solutions that integrate with AWS goes far beyond a nifty UI.  The CLI (Command Line Interface), SDK and API all combine to provide you access to control AWS services from anywhere.  These tools are all pretty easy to use, and there are a vast number of tutorials and examples to get you started.  You can be a substantial user of AWS without these developer features but why settle?  Take advantage of these services and the various guides to kick your development and automation up a notch.

Pipeline, Deploy, Cloud9, and CodeStar

The next bunch of services for developers are your IDE, build engine, a deployment tool, and an overall management tool.  These make it easy to set up a full enterprise-grade development in the cloud in a short time.  There is a slight warning though that the pricing can be a surprise.  I highly recommend you look at the pricing calculator once your environment is built to make sure you know what you are getting into.  These developer tools are not just a nod to coders.  They are solid and nicely featured solutions.  Cloud9, in particular, was a stand-alone product that used AWS services and Amazon decided they needed to purchase it for their offerings.  Take a look as it might free you up to do all of your development in the cloud.


Rob Broadhead

Rob is a founder of, and frequent contributor to, Develpreneur. This includes the Building Better Developers podcast. He is also a lifetime learner as a developer, designer, and manager of software solutions. Rob is the founder of RB Consulting and has managed to author a book about his family experiences and a few about becoming a better developer. In his free time, he stays busy raising five children (although they have grown into adults). When he has a chance to breathe, he is on the ice playing hockey to relax or working on his ballroom dance skills.

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