Launch Template#

A launch template is a pre-baked configuration for EC2 instances.

As you know, an AMI is an image of the software on the server, but a launch template goes one step further: it also captures the “hardware” (instance type), the network configuration (subnet, security groups), and more. It’s a way to say, “This is the exact configuration I want for new servers.”

Assignment#

PatientPing is eventually going to need a bunch of servers. Create a launch template that uses the AMI you created.

Cost check: Launch templates are free. AMIs store as EBS snapshots; you pay a small amount for snapshot storage. You only pay for instances launched from the template.

1. Go to “EC2” → “Launch Templates” in the AWS Console.
2. Click “Create launch template.”
3. Configure the template:
   • Name: patientping-web-launcher
   • Description: Launch template for t3.micro with PatientPing app preinstalled
   • AMI: under “My AMIs,” select your patientping-web-base AMI (the one you created a few lessons back)
   • Instance type: t3.micro
   • Key pair: select your existing patientping-key
   • Network settings:
     • Subnet: select patientping-public-a
     • Availability Zone: leave unset (the subnet determines the AZ)
     • Common security groups: select patientping-public
   • Storage: leave default (8 GiB, gp3)
4. Click “Create launch template.”
5. Return to the list of launch templates and confirm patientping-web-launcher is there.