Step Functions & AppSync Flashcards
What is AWS Step Functions used for?
Orchestrate workflow by coordinating multiple aws services into serverless workflows, making it easier to build and manage complex applications
What does a Task State do in Step Functions?
Executes a unit of work, such as calling Lambda, ECS, AWS Batch, or interacting with services like DynamoDB, SQS.
What is a Choice State in Step Functions?
Tests conditions and routes the workflow to the correct state/branch based on logic.
What does a Wait State do?
Pauses execution for a duration or until a specific time/date.
What does ResultPath do in Step Functions?
Allows you to capture the result of a state and modify or merge it with the input for the next state.
What happens in a Fail or Succeed State?
Ends execution immediately with a failure or success status.
What is a Map State used for?
Loops through an array of items and applies a subworkflow to each item.
How does Retry work in Step Functions?
Retries on failure using parameters: ErrorEquals, IntervalSeconds, BackoffRate, and MaxAttempts.
What is a Task Token in Step Functions?
A callback token used to pause a workflow until an external process resumes it via SendTaskSuccess or SendTaskFailure.
What is an Activity Worker?
An external application or service that polls Step Functions for work and sends results back.
What is the max wait time for Activity Tasks?
Up to 1 year, if a heartbeat is periodically sent.
What are the two types of Step Functions workflows?
Standard (durable, long-running, detailed history) and Express (high-throughput, short-lived).
What is AWS AppSync?
A fully managed GraphQL API service that integrates with AWS and supports real-time data syncing.
Which data sources can AppSync connect to?
DynamoDB, Aurora, OpenSearch, Lambda, HTTP endpoints, and others.
What real-time protocols does AppSync support?
WebSocket and MQTT on WebSocket.
What are the four AppSync authorization types?
API_KEY, AWS_IAM, OPENID_CONNECT, AMAZON_COGNITO_USER_POOLS.
What is AWS Amplify used for?
To develop, deploy, and host mobile and web apps with built-in AWS backend services.
What authentication features does Amplify provide?
User registration, MFA, social logins, and Cognito integration.
What is Amplify Datastore?
Local data persistence with automatic cloud sync using GraphQL (powered by AppSync + DynamoDB).
What is included with Amplify Hosting?
CI/CD pipeline, custom domains, redirects, monitoring, and password protection.
What testing framework integrates with Amplify for E2E testing?
Cypress testing framework.
