What is AWS Lambda Layer and its benefits

Anil Koppula
1 min readMay 8, 2023

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AWS Lambda Layers is a feature of AWS Lambda that allows you to separate your code into independent layers that can be reused across multiple functions. A layer is a package of libraries, dependencies, or other assets that can be bundled together and uploaded to AWS Lambda as a ZIP archive.

Here are some benefits of using AWS Lambda Layers:

  1. Code reuse: With Layers, you can share common code across multiple functions, which reduces the duplication of code and makes it easier to maintain.
  2. Simplified packaging and deployment: By separating your code into Layers, you can reduce the size of your function package and simplify the deployment process.
  3. Faster cold starts: If you include large dependencies or libraries in your function code, it can increase the function’s startup time. By moving these dependencies or libraries to a separate layer, you can reduce the size of your function package and improve the function’s startup time.
  4. Versioning and control: You can version and manage your Layers independently from your functions, allowing you to update your dependencies or libraries without having to redeploy your entire function.
  5. Shared security: You can apply security policies and permissions to Layers independently from your functions, allowing you to share common code across multiple functions while maintaining strict security controls.

Overall, AWS Lambda Layers can help you reduce code duplication, simplify packaging and deployment, improve cold start times, and provide better versioning and security controls.

How to create a Lambda layer: https://medium.com/@koppulaanil1786/aws-lambda-layers-3f371e51bbaf

More info: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/lambda/latest/dg/configuration-layers.html

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