What AWS Step Functions?

Components of AWS Step Functions are as follows:

 State Machine - State Machine reps the flow we need to achieve the final objects.
 State - States is used in referries inside the State Machine.
 Task - A tasks is defined as a lambda function where we need to specify the ARN.

How to use the AWS SFunctions?

We can use AWS Step Function in 3 ways:

 AWS Console - AWS Console acts as a small set of blueprints for starting out.
 AWS Cloud Formation - It is very simple for imlementing and also used for specifying
state machine template and service role ARN.
 AWS SPI/SDK - By using SPI/SDK we can find documentation for each of it as per
requirement.

How does AWS Step Functions connect and coordinate other

AWS services?
AWS Step Function workload is used for creating, connecting and coordinating other AWS
Services which are using service tasks.
Example:
Invoking AWS Lambda function.
Running AWS Elastic Container Service.
Submitting Amazon DynamoDB Table.

What are AWS Step Functions?

AWS Step Functions is a cloud service that helps you coordinate multiple AWS services into
serverless workflows so you can build and update apps quickly and easily. With Step Functions,
you can design and run workflows that stitch together services such as AWS Lambda and
Amazon ECS into feature-rich applications.

Can you explain what a state machine is in the context of AWS Step Functions?

A state machine is a set of defined states that an entity can be in, and the transitions between
those states. In AWS Step Functions, a state machine defines the states and transitions of a
workflow.
How can I create and manage a state machine using AWS Step Functions?

You can create a state machine using AWS Step Functions by creating a JSON file that defines
the states and transitions of your state machine. You can then use the AWS Step Functions
console or the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) to create and manage your state machine.

How do I name my state machines and states when using AWS Step Functions?

You can name your state machines and states when using AWS Step Functions by using the
Name property when creating your state machine or state.

7. How do I get started with AWS Step Functions?

You can get started with AWS Step Functions by creating a state machine using the AWS
Management Console, AWS Command Line Interface, or AWS SDK.

8. Is it possible to invoke a step function from another step function? If yes, then how?

Yes, it is possible to invoke a step function from another step function. You can do this by using
the AWS SDK to call the InvokeStepFunction API action.

9. Do you know any other ways to execute a step function besides using API calls or CLI
commands?

Yes, there are other ways to execute a step function besides using API calls or CLI commands.
For example, you can use the AWS Management Console or the AWS SDKs.

10. How does the execution timeout work for AWS Step Functions?

The execution timeout for AWS Step Functions is the amount of time that the service has to
complete a task before it is considered timed out. This timeout can be set by the user and is
measured in seconds. If a task does not complete within the specified timeout, then the Step
Function will move on

11. How much does it cost to run a step function?

The cost of running a step function depends on the number of state transitions that are executed.
Each state transition costs $0.025 per 100,000 executions.

12. How long will the results of a step function be available for access by clients?

The results of a step function will be available for access by clients for as long as the step
function is runnthe step function is terminated, then the results will no longer be available.
13. How do AWS Step Functions handle errors during execution?

AWS Step Functions will automatically retry an activity that fails due to an error, up to a
maximum number of times that you specify. If the activity still fails after all retries are
attempted, then AWS Step Functions will move the activity to a terminal state.

14. Can you explain the difference between Activity Timeouts and Heartbeats?

Activity timeouts are used to set a limit on how long an activity can run before it times out. This
is useful for ensuring that activities do not run for too long and end up costing more money than
necessary. Heartbeats, on the other hand, are used to check on the status of an activity and make
sure that it is still running. If an activity does not respond to a heartbeat, then it is assumed to
have timed out and will be terminated.

15. How can you avoid repetition when developing complex applications involving several step
functions?

One way to avoid repetition when developing complex applications involving several step
functions is to use AWS Lambda functions. Lambda functions can be used to encapsulate code
that needs to be executed in multiple step functions. This allows you to avoid having to duplicate
code across multiple step functions.

16. How do you monitor your step functions once deployed?

You can monitor your step functions using Amazon CloudWatch. You can create alarms to
trigger when certain events occur, and you can also view logs to see what is happening inside
your step function at any given time.

17. How should you design your app’s architecture if you have multiple steps that need to
synchronize their responses before proceeding further?

In this case, you would want to use AWS Step Functions to coordinate the different steps. This
would allow you to design your app so that each step can proceed independently, but still
coordinate their responses as needed.

18. Which of the following services work best with AWS Step Functions:

AWS Lambda, Amazon S3, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Kinesis, and Amazon Simple
Notification Service (SNS) all work well with AWS Step Functions.

19. What’s the maximum size allowed for an input in AWS Step Functions?

The maximum size allowed for an input in AWS Step Functions is 1 MB.
20. What is the main difference between task success and task failure in AWS Step Functions?

The main difference between task success and task failure in AWS Step Functions is that task
success results in the execution of the next task in the state machine, while task failure causes the
state machine to move to the fail state.

21. What happens if some tasks fail while running on parallel mode within a step function?

If some tasks fail while running on parallel mode within a step function, then the entire step
function will fail. This is because the step function is designed to run all tasks in parallel, and if
even one task fails, it means that the entire function has failed.